Bolton boss Gary Megson has spoken out in support of Sir Alex Ferguson over his latest referee row.
Bolton boss sympathises with United counterpart
Bolton boss Gary Megson has spoken out in support of Sir Alex Ferguson over his latest referee row.
The Manchester United manager has until Friday to offer the Football Association an explanation of his comments about referee Alan Wiley following his side's 2-2 draw with Sunderland 10 days ago.
Ferguson was angered by Wiley's handling of the match and suggested the official was not fit enough, claiming he took longer than necessary to book players because he "needed a rest".
The United supremo has already offered a public apology and insists he did not intend to make a personal attack but rather to raise what he sees as a valid topic for debate.
Referees' chief Alan Leighton has called for Ferguson to receive a Uefa-style touchline ban, though, and Megson feels the United legend is being targeted.
"Fergie couldn't have done any more," he told the
Manchester Evening News.
Criticism
"He gets hung out to dry because of who he is. He has apologised and then everyone criticised the apology.
"Alan Leighton seems to have a bee in his bonnet about the apology. I have seen him quoted as saying it is half-hearted.
"But you are damned if you don't apologise and damned if you do.
"What is he supposed to do? He has said something and then, having had time to think about it, he has said 'sorry'. End of story - move on."
Ferguson is due to return on Wednesday from a short break in New York before considering his response to the FA.
