APOLOGIES HAVE THEIR PLACE.....

.....but not everyone, it seems, knows where that place is.

In a week when it seems to have become `fashionable` to apologise for just about anything and everything - even for events that happened centuries ago - I bring you a modern example of when apologies should be offered....and when they should not.

Some time last week, Manchester United played Middlesbrough in an FA Cup replay, which United won thanks to a mildly controversial penalty awarded to and coolly taken by Christiano Ronaldo. In a post-match interview with Ronaldo, Sky`s touchline reporter, Geoff Shreeves, felt it appropriate - which it was - to enquire as to the validity of the penalty award. Ronaldo, to his credit, replied thoughtfully and with good grace. However, the United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, took immediate offence at Shreeves being so impertinent as to ask such a question and Ferguson exploded with a crude tantrum, a short extract of which went like this:-

Ferguson : `F*****g bastard.`

Shreeves : `Don`t talk to me like that.`

Ferguson : `F*** off to you.`

Shreeves : `Don`t talk to me like that. Don`t even think about it.`

Ferguson : `Don`t you think about it, you ****. F*** off. Right?`

Shreeves : `Listen, are you going to do this interview in a professional manner or not? Do you want to do it or not?`

Ferguson : `You f***ing be professional. You be professional. You`re the one.`

As I say, merely an extract but Shreeves managed to maintain his dignity in the face of this unprovoked onslaught.

Now, today it`s reported that because Sky are concerned about their `relationship` with Manchester United, Shreeves has been called upon to apologise to Ferguson for the affair, which strikes me as a classic case of apologies being proferred by the wounded party to the assailant. Surely, reason would suggest that it is Ferguson`s place to apologise, not only to Shreeves but also to the viewing public who witnessed this performance. But, as we live in a parallel universe, I doubt it will happen.

If apologies are to mean anything, they have to be given meaningfully, not used as a bargaining chip in a commercial or even a political world. I hope Shreeves` career flourishes from here on in, as he is the one who demonstrated professionalism in this sorry episode....but it wouldn`t surprise me one bit if he isn`t added to the list of journalists and media reporters to whom Ferguson refuses to speak .

As for Ferguson himself, it`s such a pity that a knight of the realm should behave in such an unseemly manner, when he might be a role model for others, given the success he has achieved as a football manager.

It was once said of Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery no less, that he was very successful as a general....but very unsuccessful as a man. I think the same might be said of Ferguson. Management by hairdryer is no substitute for the dignity and restraint expected of a knight of the realm.....and I make no apology for suggesting it.