Alex Ferguson doesn't do embarrassment or apologies, so the Manchester United manager will not be bothered that he did himself, his club and football a public disservice with some ridiculous comments over the past week. He has an agenda and keeps to it.
On Boxing Day, he gave a sadly typical display of non-respect towards the match officials during the 4-3 win over Newcastle that should earn him a Football Association sanction, the main problem being that the F.A.'s non-punishment is to make him watch a game or three from the stands.
This has so little effect that Fergie and all managers believe the slap across the wrist from the F.A. is worthwhile and allows them to continue with their ref rants. Until the F.A. follows UEFA's lead and gives managers a match-time ban — no contact with the players before or during games — there will be managerial anarchy. Fergie knows that putting pressure on referees pays dividends and the F.A. has stood back and let him and others continue.