ALEX FERGUSON has issued a grovelling apology for branding ref Alan Wiley "unfit".
The Manchester United boss hit out at Wiley after his side's 2-2 with Sunderland last weekend.
Ferguson raged: "He was not fit enough for a game of that standard. The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit.
"He was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was needing a rest. It was ridiculous."
However, Ferguson today issued a statement to admit he was wrong to make the comments.
He said: "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused and to The FA for going public with my views.
"In retrospect, I accept that this could be deemed as expressing those views in an inappropriate forum.
"It was never my intention to bring the focus of intense media attention on Mr Wiley.
"I intend to contact him personally after I return from a trip overseas during this international break.
"I would wish it to be noted that I have always respected Mr Wiley's integrity.
"My only intention in speaking publicly, was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever increasing demands of the modern game, which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels."
