ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: ROBERTO MARTINEZ has accused the English football authorities of being intimidated by Alex Ferguson, saying that the Scot is treated differently to other managers in the game.

The Wigan Athletic manager insisted that his Manchester United counterpart is allowed to get away with more than his Premier League rivals, who would be “crushed” for committing the same crimes, and is protected by a cabal of coaches who court his favour.

Ferguson has admitted a charge of improper conduct over remarks he made about the referee Alan Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford. He also courted controversy over his suggestion that Andre Marriner lacked the experience to referee Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.

But Martinez expressed doubts that the punishment handed down will be as severe as that meted out to other coaches, as there is little appetite for taking Ferguson to task.

“They have just sanctioned Ferguson for saying that referee was not fit enough and the truth is that they’re almost apologising to him for punishing him,” Martinez said.

“Any other coach would have been crushed for that.”

Asked if Ferguson dictates English football, Martinez told the Spanish paper AS: "Yes, a lot."

He added: “Ferguson has been here for a lifetime and that carries a lot of weight.”

Martinez added Ferguson’s position is strengthened by a group of ‘loyal allies’. “Ferguson has his group of faithfuls, people who are committed to him: Steve Bruce, who was a player with him, Sam Allardyce, who thinks he will be his successor at Old Trafford, and others.”

Guardian Service