WIGAN manager Roberto Martinez has phoned Sir Alex Ferguson to explain remarks attributed to him in a Spanish newspaper.
Martinez has also contacted Steve Bruce, Sam Allardyce and Rafael Benitez after they were all implicated in the article.
The Spaniard felt the need to clear the air after categorically denying he suggested the FA are afraid to punish Ferguson.
Martinez said: ‘‘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 claimed Ferguson had faithful followers in Bruce and Allardyce while Benitez was the target of constant sniping.
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