Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims managers respect match referees – EPL news
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted the Premier League initiative to improve the behaviour of players and managers towards referees. The United boss believes that coaches already respect match officials, saying that the recent plan to
ensure as much is completely unnecessary.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s behaviour towards referee Martin Atkinson was perhaps the reason the initiative was put forward in the first place. The Scot had accused the match official of bias following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. He was incensed with
Atkinson’s failure to send off http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Luiz-c10542, as well as his decision to award the Blues with a ‘soft’ penalty.
After the match, Ferguson had said, “You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway. And we didn’t get that. When I saw who the referee was, I feared it. I feared the worst.”
For his comments, the United boss has been handed a five-match touchline ban by the Football Association. However, the matter is far from over.
His remarks have had far-reaching consequences. Premier League chief Richard Scudamore announced a new initiative on Thursday which aims to improve how referees are treated by players and managers. However, the plan has not impressed Sir Alex Ferguson. The
Scot deemed it to be completely unnecessary, claiming that managers already respect referees.
Speaking on the matter, the Red Devils boss said, “Richard Scudamore doesn't have a lot to do, does he? He's trying to elevate the Premier League. Fine. That's good, that's his job. But I don't think managers disrespect referees.”
He added, “I get punished for what I considered was fair comment, they (the FA) didn't, and they gave me a five-match ban, that's fine. But that doesn't mean to say we don't respect referees. It's a difficult job, we all know that.”
Manchester United are currently leading the Barclays Premier League with 63 points, five points more than nearest competitors Arsenal. However, with Sir Alex Ferguson absent from the touchline during United’s next four encounters, there is every chance that
the Red Devils could slip up.
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