Football Orphan: No respect for referees? That’s totally unFair-guson.
Alex Ferguson yesterday hit out at League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore for his comments regarding Premier League managers not having respect for referees. His response was simply delusional. He stated “I don’t think managers disrespect referees, I got done for what I considered a fair comment.” Next week the Manchester United manager could be arguing that Paul Scholes is unlucky to be thought of as a dirty player. Scholes is currently the 3rd most booked player in the Premier League and has the most bookings in Champions League history.
Ferguson revealed in a post match interview his concern when Martin Atkinson was allocated the game. His punishment for claiming Atkinson wasn’t a fair referee was a five match touch-line ban. Ferguson on the other hand was horrified when his own integrity was called into question.
It seems that Ferguson believes not necessarily in what he says, but that he won’t be punished for constantly bringing the game into disrepute with his loaded comments. He has built a reputation for attending every single meeting where clubs must be represented. At the likes of Fa,Pfa,Lma and Premier League gatherings, he is the manager with the closest thing to a perfect record. This is where other clubs will routinely just send a representative to attend. This is what is widely believed to be the reason for the leniency previously shown.
The pantomime dramatics and amateur psychology isn’t fooling anyone. Over the last twenty-five years we have realised that the Scot will reduce himself to “any means necessary” tactics to finish up with his fingerprints on the silverware. This is the stage of the season where Manchester United traditionally begin to flex their muscles and utilize their experience. It’s also the time when mind games and mental pressure can swing the balance of power in the title run in.
Traditionally the managers of the top two will question the opposition of their rival in the home straight. It makes for an interesting side bet, and a very unpredictable rough end to the season for the title challengers. It really is scraping the barrel to have a go at officials, especially when it’s abundantly obvious that decisions have previously favoured one club in particular. It was a breath of fresh air to see the powers that be show some solidarity by handsomely punishing the United manager. This should be a marker for all managers without exception. Reputation should count for nothing when a manager questions the honesty of a referee.
Football Orphan 