Martinez moves to end bosses row

Martinez has referred the matter to the League Managers' Association

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has phoned Sir Alex Ferguson to explain remarks attributed to him in the Spanish media.

Martinez was quoted as suggesting the FA are scared of punishing Manchester United boss Ferguson.

Martinez has also phoned Sam Allardyce and Steve Bruce after reportedly saying their loyalty to Ferguson led to them ganging up against Rafael Benitez.

The 36-year-old said: "It is a very unfortunate situation, but people need to understand what happened."

The Spaniard added: "Those managers have probably been in this situation and know how things work. I have had a lot of support in that respect.

"To speak about other managers you need to win the league. But it is not in my nature to be outspoken."

It was suggested that Martinez felt Ferguson has constant allies in Sunderland boss Bruce and Blackburn manager Allardyce, while Benitez was the subject of constant sniping by his Premier League rivals.

But Martinez has categorically denied making such comments, and has also contacted Benitez to calm the situation, in addition to referring the entire matter to the League Managers' Association.

606: DEBATE Whether Martinez said what is written in the article or not, there is an awful lot of truth in it freddawlanen

The alleged views about the FA's relationship with Ferguson relate to an incident earlier this month when the veteran manager claimed referee Alan Wiley was "unfit" during the 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Despite accepting a subsequent charge of improper conduct from the FA, Ferguson still proceeded to question whether Andre Marriner had the necessary experience to take charge of his side's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the weekend.

Martinez was quoted by Spanish newspaper AS as suggesting that any other manager "would have been crushed for that".

But the Spaniard said: "Sir Alex is probably the best manager in the world while Steve has worked under him and we have a good relationship as he worked at Wigan before me.

"As for Sam I respect his achievements and what he has done in the Premier League. I also respect Rafa as he is one of the most successful Spanish managers ever.

"It is important they all know I was very disappointed with the stories that were circulating."

Benitez went on record last season with similar comments about Ferguson, claiming he was treated differently to other managers in the league - a claim Ferguson has always denied.