ALAN Wiley has finally abandoned his plans to sue Sir Alex Ferguson for defamation - but still fired off a broadside over his "bitter disappointment" with the Manchester United manager.

Ferguson was given a four-match touchline ban, two of them suspended, and a £20,000 fine by the FA for saying Wiley "just wasn't fit enough" to officiate in United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland in October.

The United manager quickly apologised for his remarks, both on the United website and in a letter to the FA.

Now referees' union Prospect has belatedly confirmed Wiley will not be pursuing a case for defamation against Ferguson.

Wiley said: "Although I was bitterly disappointed about the personal attack on me I want to put this behind me and continue to concentrate on my refereeing."

Prospect has also written to the FA to seek greater support for referees and calling for stronger action if there are similar attacks in the future.

Prospect national secretary Alan Leighton said: "Unwarranted and untrue attacks on referees damage the hard-earned reputation of our members, call into question their integrity and damage the image of the game by suggesting that the referees are incapable of doing their job.

"Referees understand and accept that their decisions will be questioned, but personal attacks are unacceptable."

Had Wiley pressed ahead with unprecedently legal action against Ferguson he would have effectively ruled himself out of officiating any United games in the future.