Attempts to lord his control over the media are nothing new for Sir Alex Ferguson (just ask the BBC). So it should come as no surprise that he tried to exert more influence than he actually has by ordering AP sports writer Rob Harris be banned from future press conferences for asking a relatively harmless question about scandal-plagued Ryan Giggs.
From the AP:
At Tuesday's news conference with Ferguson, Harris asked about the importance of 37-year-old Giggs to Manchester United. "The most experienced Champions League player in the team is obviously Ryan Giggs. How important is he for the team on Saturday?" Harris said.
"All of the players are important, every one of them," Ferguson replied curtly.
Broadcaster Sky News later broadcast Ferguson's whispered comments to a club media officer.
He was heard saying, "the guy that asked the question about Giggsy … at the press conference."
She replies: "Which one?"
Ferguson responds: "Him that asked the question … who?"
The press officer replied: "Oh yeah, I'll tell you later."
Minutes later, Ferguson is heard to ask: "Is he coming on Friday?"
The press officer asks: "The guy with the laptop?"
Ferguson replies: "Aye. Then we'll get him. Ban him on Friday."
It was unclear which event on Friday Ferguson was referring to, although he is due to hold a news conference on the eve of Saturday's game.
Eat that Rob Harris! That's what you get for asking a tactful question about a touchy subject, also known as doing your job. You just got Fergie'd! Or not.
From the BBC:
Both Ferguson and Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola are required by Uefa regulations to give pre-final media conferences on Friday.
But the United spokesman pointed out that as Friday's event is organised by Uefa, the Old Trafford club has no jurisdiction to ban Harris.
"I don't think we can [ban him], but check it out with Uefa," said the United spokesman. "The answer is probably no."
Well, as Mussolini once said, "Eh, it was worth a try."
Photo: Getty
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