Managers all respect referees, claims Ferguson

ALEX FERGUSON yesterday questioned the value of the Premier League’s new crackdown on behaviour, claiming there is no lack of respect towards referees from managers.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has announced a new campaign, backed by the top-flight clubs, targeting “unacceptable” criticism of and behaviour towards referees by players and managers.

But Manchester United boss Ferguson, who picked up a five-match touchline ban last month for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson, insists there is no lack of respect for match officials.

Ferguson said: “Richard Scudamore doesn’t have a lot to do. He is trying to elevate the Premier League. That is good. That is his job.

“But I feel he is jumping off a high diving board here without thinking about it.

“It is not an issue for me. I don’t think managers disrespect referees.

“I got done for what I considered a fair comment. They gave me a five-match ban. That’s fine. That doesn’t mean I don’t respect referees. It is a difficult job. We all know that. I wouldn’t referee a game. We need them.”