Fergie hit with FAban and fine after ref rap
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined £20,000 and handed a four-match touchline ban by the Football Association for his criticism of referee Alan Wiley last month.
Ferguson admitted a charge of improper conduct after questioning the fitness of Riley following his side’s 2-2 home draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford.
He will serve his ban for his side’s forthcoming fixtures at home to Everton on 21 November and away at Portsmouth a week later. The rest of the ban has been suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.
Commission chairman Peter Griffiths QC said: “Each member of the Commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievements and stature within the game. Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.
“The Commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what he did say.”
But Alan Leighton of the officials’ union Prospect, was angry with the lenient punishment, saying: “The FA had a chance to make a point and they flunked it.”