MANCHESTER UNITED are angry with the Premier League's referees for trying to make the FA throw the book at Alex Ferguson.
The FA have written to Fergie asking him to explain his comments about ref Alan Wiley after last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Fergie claimed Wiley was not fit enough and said: "It took him 30 seconds every time he booked a player. I think that was because he needed a rest."
The referees have defended Wiley, urging the FA to ban boss Ferguson from any contact with his team on a match day.
It would be an unprecedented move and one United believe the game's rulers are being pushed towards by underhand tactics from the refs.
United understand that statistics on Wiley's performance, revealed in the media, were not given directly by the company which compiles them.
A source close to the club's hierarchy told SunSport: "The manner in which this is being put across is that they are exerting undue pressure on the FA when the disciplinary process has begun.
"Some of the statistics being used are confidential.
"United have been assured these statistics were not provided to the media by the companies which compile them.
"There is serious concern at how the refereeing fraternity is meddling with the disciplinary process."
