Refs United versus Fergie

REFEREES urged the FA to throw the book at Alex Ferguson for his attack on Alan Wiley.

The FA launched a probe as the Manchester United manager said ref Wiley was not fit enough after his side's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Premier League assessor Dermot Gallagher said: "Alex's comments are laughable, Alan is one of the fittest refs on the circuit."

Former Prem referee Gallagher added: "It's quite astonishing that of all the refs to level that criticism at, Alex picked the wrong one."It's a comment that can't be substantiated."

Another former Prem ref Keith Cooper said: "Alan does look like he carries a bit of timber but he can keep going.

"I don't think it was right of Alex to say what he did. I thought Alan did really well."

Fergie blasted: "You see refs abroad who are as fit as butchers' dogs - he was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was not fit."

An FA spokesman said: "We're reviewing the comments in full."And the secretary of referees' union Prospect insists something must be done.

Alan Leighton said: "If Ferguson gets away with this, other managers will do the same.

"We've already had Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce complaining that Peter Walton was not fit to be a referee.

"Prozone stats monitor displays in every game. If Alan Wiley or any other ref were not fit, they would not be refereeing."

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