Sir Alex Ferguson has been called upon by the Football Association to explain his amazing outburst against referee Alan Wiley after Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Sunderland.
After his team had claimed a point with an injury-time own goal, Ferguson could barely contain himself: "There should have been another 30 seconds of added time, but he [Wiley] was walking up the pitch after the goal, needing a rest. He just was not fit enough for a game of that stature. The fitness of the players, the pace of the game, demanded a referee who was fit. He is not fit. It's an indictment of our game that we see referees from abroad who are as fit as butchers' dogs. We have got some good referees in our country who are fit, but he was not. He was taking 30 seconds to book a player as he was taking a rest."
Forty-nine year-old Wiley is said to be "very upset" by the comments. He has an impressive fitness record, and has been shown to run 11.5km during a game.
It is my belief that Ferguson's rant has more to do with deflecting criticism away from himself and his team's shortcomings than a real feeling that Alan Wiley is not fit enough. Manchester United were poor and petulant and got away with a lucky point when Sunderland probably deserved to win.
Ferguson is no fool. He knew saturday's team selection and performance might come under scrutiny. He has enough experience and is wily (ha!) enough to take the heat off himself when required.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment