Sir Alex Ferguson has been playing fast and loose with football's legislators for far too long.
Time and again the Manchester United manager delivers scathing post match statements yet is allowed to continue flouting the disciplinary laws by those expected to enforce them.
Unsurprisingly he will plead not guilty to the improper conduct charge for his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson during last week's defeat to Chelsea and, more likely than not, the Football Association will again endorse his misbehaviour by overturning the eventual appeal.
The Red Devils' self-imposed media blackout, which stretched to their in-house TV channel, as a result of his broadside will also go unpunished despite this and his ongoing stand-off with the BBC, over a 2004 documentary about son Jason, contravening Premier League rules.
In doing so, United have set a dangerous standard which other clubs may chose to follow.
No Chelsea player was willing to speak to the press following Monday night's win at Blackpool and the club may decide to adopt a similar approach with manager Carlo Ancelotti, who complied with all post-match requests that night, in the firing line of journalists on an almost weekly basis.
United's care-free attitude has allowed them to largely evade the long arm of both the FA and the Premier League to the point that their fans chant "We're Man United - we do what we want" without the slightest hint of irony.
Their arrogance is understandable as their club has been above the law for some time with chief executive David Gill brazenly airing his frustrations at referees' chief Mike Riley in the Anfield directors' box after Nani was stretchered off during Sunday's defeat to Liverpool.
Similarly, Ferguson seems largely exempt from punishment with only four charges brought against him over the past decade for hostility towards officials whilst his mud-slinging at rival players and managers makes a mockery of the FA's 'Respect' campaign.
He is also never afraid to adopt his 'take my ball and go home' attitude as he proved in December after Preston sacked son Darren as manager, when he recalled all United players on loan at Deepdale before coercing Stoke City counterpart Tony Pulis to follow suit.
It all reflects the power which Ferguson and United possess which sees them afforded special treatment by the game's authorities and it has to stop.
An example must be set for all clubs that no one is exempt from punishment in the Barclays Premier League, whether it be United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City or Bolton.
All media obligations should be fulfilled without exception whilst all managers, not just Ferguson, must be sternly reminded about their general conduct and the implications which their misbehaviour will bring upon both them and the club.
In the best interests of the game, United must finally do as they are told.
Please note: This is a comment piece and the opinions expressed in this item are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the stance or opinions of the management and owners of Click Liverpool.
Bob, Liverpool around 1 year, 2 months ago