Alex Ferguson moves to ban journalist for mentioning Ryan Giggs

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is caught telling a press officer to ban a journalist who asked a question about scandal-plagued Ryan Giggs.


Sir Alex Ferguson speaks to his press officer during a press conference Photo: Getty Images

Rob Harris, a sports correspondent for the news agency Associated Press, inquired about Giggs' potential role in the game at Wembley after he was named as the married footballer had an alleged affair with reality TV star Imogen Thomas.

"The most experienced Champions League player in the team is Ryan Giggs," Harris said. "How important is he for the team on Saturday?"

"All of the players are important, every one of them," Ferguson replied, curtly, before television footage showed him whispering his demand to press officer Karen Shotbolt.

"The guy that asked the question about Giggsy at the press conference," he said. "Is he coming on Friday? Aye. Then we'll get him. Ban him on Friday."

Ferguson is due to hold another press conference on Friday.

Despite Fergie's demands, it is unlikely Harris will be denied access to media sessions this week.

UEFA, rather than the clubs, are in charge of attendance at open events this week, and a United spokeman told the BBC: "I don't think we can ban him."

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