Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has categorically denied“ that he suggested the Football Association are afraid to punish Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.

Martinez was reported to have claimed the FA were almost “apologising” to Ferguson for sanctioning the Scot over his comments that referee Alan Wiley was unfit to do his job.

But the Wigan boss insists he never made any comments about Ferguson and released a statement through the League Managers’ Association.

It read: “Wigan Athletic manager, Roberto Martinez, has today categorically denied making the comments about Alex Ferguson that have been attributed to him in a number of media reports. Martinez has referred the matter to the League Managers Association.”

Ferguson has admitted to the FA’s charge of improper conduct and has asked for a personal hearing.