The Football Association will decide today whether it has the nerve to go to war with Sir Alex Ferguson or see its Respect for Referees' campaign collapse in ruins.
This is the choice for the governing body after the Manchester United manager's savage assessment on the suitability of leading official Alan Wiley to officiate "top" Premier League games following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Ferguson charged that Wiley, at 49, is simply not fit enough to do his job.
It is potentially the most damaging attack on a match official since Jose Mourinho's accusations about referee Anders Frisk in 2005 effectively led to the retirement of the Swedish official.
Ferguson, angered by Wiley's time-keeping at Old Trafford, said: "I was disappointed with the referee. He didn't add any time for the [second United] goal. He played four minutes and two seconds. He was also walking up the pitch after the second goal needing a rest. He is not fit enough for a game of that standard.
"He was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was needing a rest. It was ridiculous."
FA disciplinary and governance officials will this morning examine Ferguson's comments before deciding whether or not to charge him. The ruling criteria comes in three sections, forbidding comment before matches, claims against integrity and impartiality, and personal attacks. Ferguson, who could also be seen haranguing the fourth official Mike Dean during the match, could well be deemed liable in the third category.
- INDEPENDENT
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