Sir Alex Ferguson(credit:
Ryu Voelkel)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct over his comments about referee Martin Atkinson.
The Scot criticised Atkinson following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, in which the official opted against sending off Blues defender David Luiz for a challenge on Wayne Rooney, awarded the hosts what Ferguson called a “soft” penalty and then dismissed United defender Nemanja Vidic late on.
Speaking to MUTV following the game, Ferguson said: “You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway - and we didn't get that.
“I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst.”
And having reviewed the interview, the Football Association has now decided to charge the 69-year-old, who already has two games of a four-match ban still hanging over him from last season.
An FA statement read: “The FA has charged Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with improper conduct relating to media comments.
“The charge relates to comments made about match official Martin Atkinson in post-match interviews following Manchester United's fixture with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
“Ferguson has until 4pm on Tuesday, March 8 to respond to the charge.”