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Gary Megson: Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Has Been 'Hung Out To Dry'
Bolton boss feels for Red Devils' chief after remarks about referee's fitness...
14-Oct-2009 2:47:25 PM
Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson has expressed sympathy for Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson in the wake of the row surrounding the Scotsman's criticism of referee Alan Wiley's fitness.
Ferguson apologised for the remarks, but came under fire from referees' union Prospect, who claimed that the United manager's apology was half-hearted and further inflamed the situation.
Megson feels that such a response is unfair on Ferguson.
"Fergie couldn't have done any more. He gets hung out to dry because of who he is. He has apologised and then everyone criticises the apology," the Trotters' gaffer told The Manchester Evening News.
"Alan Leighton seems to have a bee in his bonnet about the apology. I have seen him quoted as saying it was half-hearted. But you're dammed if you don't apologise and dammed if you do.
"If you don't apologise, you get slaughtered. If you do apologise, it's judged as half-hearted.
"What's he supposed to do? He's said something and then having had time to think about it, he's said `sorry.' End of story - move on."
Megson's team clash with Ferguson's on Saturday at Old Trafford. The Bolton boss acknowledges that much of the focus of the game may be on referee Mark Clattenburg.
"Right from the off Mark Clattenburg is going to come under scrutiny," he added.
"Especially after Sir Alex's comments about referees. I think he is a good referee but he will be in the spotlight."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
Ferguson apologised for the remarks, but came under fire from referees' union Prospect, who claimed that the United manager's apology was half-hearted and further inflamed the situation.
Megson feels that such a response is unfair on Ferguson.
"Fergie couldn't have done any more. He gets hung out to dry because of who he is. He has apologised and then everyone criticises the apology," the Trotters' gaffer told The Manchester Evening News.
"Alan Leighton seems to have a bee in his bonnet about the apology. I have seen him quoted as saying it was half-hearted. But you're dammed if you don't apologise and dammed if you do.
"If you don't apologise, you get slaughtered. If you do apologise, it's judged as half-hearted.
"What's he supposed to do? He's said something and then having had time to think about it, he's said `sorry.' End of story - move on."
Megson's team clash with Ferguson's on Saturday at Old Trafford. The Bolton boss acknowledges that much of the focus of the game may be on referee Mark Clattenburg.
"Right from the off Mark Clattenburg is going to come under scrutiny," he added.
"Especially after Sir Alex's comments about referees. I think he is a good referee but he will be in the spotlight."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK
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