Graham Poll: Time for the FA to get tough with Sir Alex

Difference of opinion: Alex Ferguson argues with the fourth official I never thought I would see the day when Sir Alex Ferguson said sorry to a referee. But the most successful British manager of all time has not taken leave of his senses and given an unequivocal apology. Moreover, the Manchester United boss, who must officially explain his outburst by tomorrow, will probably still contest any FA charge. Within the apology, Ferguson managed to question if modern referees are fit enough to keep up with Premier League players while saying he did not question Alan Wiley's integrity - a key point when defending a charge. But the apology is still surprising and begs the question: why has Ferguson done it now? After all, the attack on Wiley was by no means his worst on a referee. The reason could be the public reaction to an unfair attack on a referee who did little wrong and ends up being blamed. Now it is over to the FA. A financial penalty has little more than irritant value while the FA's touchline ban of managers is ineffective compared to UEFA's. Here, a manager who has a ban can still brief his team before the game, communicate with his staff in the technical area and throw the tea cups around at half-time. In Europe, the ban is from the dressing room area from an hour before kick-off and includes half-time. That can make a difference, so much so that Jose Mourinho was alleged to have been smuggled into the dressing rooms in a laundry basket. I wouldn't expect that from Ferguson who, despite his apology, is nowhere near a basket case.  Ferguson faces FA charge for attack on Wiley as refs retaliate Fergie still in the dock: Sir Alex says sorry to ref Wiley, but it won't save himRio woe will put fears into Fabio: Ferdinand's mental lapses proving costly Ukraine 1 England 0: Fabio Capello gives referee a rocket as Wayne Rooney is England's bright spark  

Source: Daily_Mail