Sir Alex Ferguson hits out at Premier League clampdown on criticism of referees: ‘Richard Scudamore hasn’t got much to do’

Sir alex ferguson – Manchester united coach

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Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore over his plans to clampdown on the abuse directed at match officials from players and managers.

The Manchester United boss recently received a five-match touchline ban, and fined £30,000, following his complaints towards referee Martin Atkinson after his sides’ 2-1 away defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Whilst Ferguson has accepted that officials have a difficult job to do, the Scotsman has raised questions about the credibility of Scudamore’s role, by suggesting the league’s top brass has little to do and has implemented policy without thorough consideration.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Ferguson told reporters: “Richard Scudamore hasn’t got an awful lot to do, doesn’t he? He’s trying to elevate the Premier League – fine, that’s good, that’s his job.

“I don’t think managers disrespect referees. I got fined for what I thought was a fair comment. He didn’t, he gave me a five-match ban, that’s fine.

“But there’s a difference to say that we don’t respect referees,” Ferguson added.

“They’ve got a difficult job, we all know that. You wouldn’t referee a game, would you? Neither would I. And we do need them.

“But I think Richard is diving off a high board here without thinking about it.”

Meanwhile, the 69-year-old is hoping to see an end to his side’s injury woes on the horizon; as Darren Fletcher and Rafael ruled out of Saturday’s clash with West Ham, and join the suspended Jonathan Evans and Paul Scholes on the sidelines.

But with Nemanja Vidic set to face the Hammers, Rio Ferdinand has handed his side a boost having returned to training, while Brazilian midfielder Anderson is also available to travel to Upton Park, and Ferguson is hoping he can galvanise his team to emulate the treble success of 1999.

“Well, we’re involved in three competitions, and it’s great to be involved in three competitions,” said Ferguson.

“The difference in 1999 of course was that no one was injured, only Henning Berg missed the last game, the final in Barcelona, with injury. That was the benefit we had then, the advantage.

“But this time the next couple of weeks is crucial to us to get these players back. If we get them back then the difference could be tremendous.”