New Delhi: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson's apology for remarks he made questioning the fitness of referee Alan Wiley has been branded as "half-hearted" by Alan Leighton, the head of referees' union Prospect.
Leighton feels that Ferguson's original remarks have only served to exacerbate the strained relationship between managers and referees. He also feels that the Scot's apology has made the situation worse rather then better.
Ferguson's original comments came after his side's 2-2 draw at home against Sunderland, when the United boss queried Wiley's physical fitness.
"I think it's a half-hearted apology at best really, and it probably exacerbates the position, rather than resolving it," Leighton told BBC Radio 5Live.
"He clearly hasn't retracted the statement about Alan being unfit so it's not an apology for the main offence caused – and then he widens it to question the fitness of other referees, so he seems to be opening another can of worms which I don't think is very helpful at all.
"Referees are very fit, they have sports scientists who test them regularly throughout the season. They don't just pass a fitness test at the start of the season.
"Their body fats and BMI (Body Mass Index) are regularly monitored, there are get-togethers every two or three weeks where they are put through extensive training and testing."
Ferguson has been given the opportunity to submit his own views to the FA, but could face a touchline ban and/or a fine for his comments. And Leighton is demanding the game's governing body takes a hard line with the United manager.
"I think the punishment should be a UEFA-type coaching ban, which is rather more than a touchline ban," he added.
"Referees always accept decisions are going to be pored over – they have no problem with legitimate criticism.
"What's problematic is when the integrity and key components of refereeing are being questioned in a totally unwarranted and unfounded way – and we will defend our members when they are."
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