London, Oct. 6 : Referees have urged the Football Association (FA) to throw the book at Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson for his attack on Alan Wiley.

The FA launched a probe as the Manchester United manager said referee Wiley was not fit enough after his side''s 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

Premier League assessor Dermot Gallagher said: "Alex''s comments are laughable, Alan is one of the fittest refs on the circuit."

Former Prem referee Gallagher added: "It''s quite astonishing that of all the refs to level that criticism at, Alex picked the wrong one. It''s a comment that can''t be substantiated."

Another former Prem referee Keith Cooper said: "Alan does look like he carries a bit of timber but he can keep going. I don''t think it was right of Alex to say what he did. I thought Alan did really well."

Fergie blasted: "You see refs abroad who are as fit as butchers'' dogs - he was taking 30 seconds to book a player. He was not fit."

An FA spokesman said: "We''re reviewing the comments in full." (ANI)