Referees demand apology from Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson

Referees are demanding a public apology from Sir Alex Ferguson for an apparent slur on the integrity of Martin Atkinson.Last night the referees' union weighed into the row as the FA deliberate on whether tocharge the Manchester United boss over his comments following his side's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night.Alan Leighton, whose union Prospect is engaged to represent match officials, said: 'The ball is in Sir Alex's court. I'm less interested in whether he's charged thanremoving this stigma from the referee at Stamford Bridge.  Off the hook: Ferguson was fuming that David Luiz wasn't sent off after appearing to foul Wayne Rooney'The referees are saying that if one is questioned then it questions them all. None of them want their integrity impaired. So the best way would be a retraction.'The FA have until 4pm on Friday to decide whether to press charges, a move whichwould activate an extended touchline ban as he still has a two match suspensionhanging over him for his attack on Alan Wiley in November 2009.The FA have requested video footage from MUTV of a post-match interview in whichFerguson said: 'It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee. When I saw who was refereeing it, I feared the worst.'  So, who will blink first? United heading for title showdown with Arsenal. but don't rule out Chelsea yetCharlton and Giggs at 606 picture special: Two legends, same venue, different eraCarrick defends Fergie's referee rant as United star urges officials to get it rightAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Martin Atkinson

Source: Daily_Mail