Sir Alex Ferguson facing FA rap over Alan Wiley fitness jibe

In hot water? Sir Alex Ferguson could face FA sanctions
Andrew Hodgson11 April 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson will find out today if he is going to be charged by the Football Association for his astonishing tirade against referee Alan Wiley.

The Manchester United manager was upset with the official as the champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Ferguson claimed that Wiley was not fit enough to keep up with the play and that the referee had not played the correct amount of added time because he had failed to add on an additional minute once United scored their late equaliser.

"I was disappointed with the referee," said the United boss. "He didn't add on any time for the goal. He played four minutes and two seconds.

"He was also walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest. He was not fit enough for a game of that standard.

"The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit. It is an indictment of our game. You see referees abroad who are as fit as butcher's dogs. We have some who are fit. He wasn't fit.

"He was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was needing a rest."

Ironically, Wiley was the fourth official when United beat neighbours City late in added time last month and, on that occasion, appeared to be sharing a joke with Ferguson on the sidelines after Michael Owen's winner.

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