Alex Ferguson's accusations against Alan Wiley were out of order - and the FA must now throw the book at him

By David Anderson

Published 08:30 07/10/09

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You've got to hand it to Fergie.

When it comes to spin, he could teach Max Clifford a thing or two.

There is no-one better at setting the agenda to deflect attention.

Manchester United had just scraped a point against Sunderland at fortress Old Trafford, and to take the focus away from his side's - and his - mistakes, he thrust the unsuspecting Alan Wiley into the spotlight.

Even by Fergie's standards, accusing Wiley of not being fit enough and therefore not adding on sufficient stoppage time - i.e. until United scored a winner - was pretty preposterous.

I'm led to believe that the ProZone stats from the game show that Wiley wasn't puffing and panting as Fergie tried to make out.

He was up with the play and got all the big decisions right.

Referees' chief Keith Hackett pours over every official's performance with the help of ProZone and removes anyone from the matchlist who isn't up to it.

Those in refereeing circles can see through Fergie's smokescreen and his attempt to hide his side's deficiencies by pointing the finger at someone else.

The hope is the FA will see through Fergie's ploy as well.

They have written to the United boss, demanding an explanation of his comments.

If they are not satisfied with Fergie's view, they could hit him with an improper conduct charge.

Fergie will hardly be losing much sleep at the prospect of that and if he is found guilty, his punishment will be either a warning or a fine.

Both add up to little more than a slap on the wrist and in the meantime, poor old Alan Wiley is left trying to repair the damage done to his reputation by Fergie's accusations.

No matter how outrageous Fergie's claims are, they will linger in the mind and will forever be linked to Wiley in any Google search.

The FA need to clamp down on Fergie and he has been riding roughshod over authority for years.

Soho Square officials should clobber him with at least a touchline ban to hammer home the message that he can't besmirch people just to suit his own selfish ends.

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