Sir Alex Ferguson(credit:
Ryu Voelkel)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims he is looking forward to fighting his Football Association charge.
Ferguson was charged with improper conduct for comments he made about referee Martin Atkinson following the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.
The 69-year-old was angered by the official’s decision not to send off David Luiz for fouls on Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, and he was also aggrieved at the penalty decision which allowed Frank Lampard to score what proved to be the winner at Stamford Bridge.
Ferguson later claimed in an interview with MUTV that he had “feared the worst” when he learned of Atkinson’s appointment, also claiming the match needed a “fair” official.
He was subsequently hit with the FA charge for his comments, but the Scot claims he is relishing the challenge of defending himself when he faces a disciplinary hearing.
Writing in the matchday programme for the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Arsenal, Ferguson said: “I felt aggrieved and I now face an FA charge for what, to my mind, was simply telling the truth.
“I will be defending myself strongly when my FA appeal hearing comes up.
“In fact, I am looking forward to the challenge because, to my mind, I have not said anything out of place, however much the media urge the FA to take action.
“The papers keep on and on about it because Manchester United are involved, and they failed to get the FA Compliance Unit to pick up on the Wayne Rooney incident in the Wigan game.
“I won't be on the back foot when I put my case to the FA, though.
“I don't think sticking up for my team makes me a villain, especially when you consider that Manchester United have one of the best disciplinary records in the country.”