FA to review Ferguson ref comments

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Ferguson questioned referee Alan Wiley's fitness after Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, while Allardyce criticised Peter Walton for not giving a penalty for Thomas Vermaelen's apparent trip on David Dunn in Blackburn's 6-2 defeat at Arsenal.

A spokesman for the FA said: "We are reviewing the comments in their full context."

Ferguson said after the draw at Old Trafford that 49-year-old Wiley was struggling to keep up with the match.

"I was disappointed with the referee," Ferguson said. "He didn't add on any time for the goal. He played four minutes and two seconds. He was also walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest. He was not fit enough for a game of that standard."

Professionals union Prospect, who represent referees, have defended Wiley, describing Ferguson's comments as "totally unwarranted".

Alan Leighton, the national secretary of Prospect, told Sky Sports News: "The referees never want to be the centre of attention in games and it is disappointing that yet again they are put in that position.

"My main concern is about the unfounded and totally unwarranted remarks about Alan Wiley's fitness. Not only does it dig at the heart of Alan's professionalism where he is one of our top and longest-serving referees, but it also has an impact on all the others."

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher - a close friend of Wiley - said referees were now just as professional as the players.

"In the 17 years the Premier League has been going this is the first time I have ever heard a manger use that criticism of a referee," Gallagher told Sky Sports News. "It's the most ridiculous comment I have ever heard."