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Ferguson charged over ref remarks
Ferguson criticised Wiley's fitness
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his comments on Alan Wiley's fitness. Ferguson made the remarks about referee Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on 3 October.
The 67-year-old, who later apologised to Wiley, could face a hefty fine or a touchline ban if he is found guilty.
The referees' union has called for Ferguson, who has until 3 November to answer the charge, to be banned.
"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct," the FA said in a statement.
"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October. "
Ferguson said following United's draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford: "The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit."
He later said he was sorry for any personal embarrassment caused to Wiley, claiming the comments were to highlight "what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game".
Alan Leighton, head of officials' union Prospect, told BBC Radio 5 live the apology was "half-hearted".
"A punishment should be a Uefa-type coaching ban, which is more than a touchline ban," added Leighton.
While managers are allowed to comment on an official's performance, the FA insists any remarks must not imply bias, question their integrity or engage in what could be construed as a personal attack.
Ferguson has a history of improper conduct charges for incidents involving referees.
In the 2007/08 season Ferguson was given a two-match touchline ban and was handed a £5,000 fine for a rant at referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time during a match at Bolton
And during the 2008/09 campaign Ferguson was banned for two games and fined £10,000 after admitting a charge of improper conduct.
The Scot came on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Mike Dean after United beat Hull on 1 November.
Ferguson criticised Wiley's fitness
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his comments on Alan Wiley's fitness. Ferguson made the remarks about referee Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on 3 October.
The 67-year-old, who later apologised to Wiley, could face a hefty fine or a touchline ban if he is found guilty.
The referees' union has called for Ferguson, who has until 3 November to answer the charge, to be banned.
"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct," the FA said in a statement.
"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October. "
Ferguson said following United's draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford: "The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit."
He later said he was sorry for any personal embarrassment caused to Wiley, claiming the comments were to highlight "what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game".
Alan Leighton, head of officials' union Prospect, told BBC Radio 5 live the apology was "half-hearted".
"A punishment should be a Uefa-type coaching ban, which is more than a touchline ban," added Leighton.
While managers are allowed to comment on an official's performance, the FA insists any remarks must not imply bias, question their integrity or engage in what could be construed as a personal attack.
Ferguson has a history of improper conduct charges for incidents involving referees.
In the 2007/08 season Ferguson was given a two-match touchline ban and was handed a £5,000 fine for a rant at referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time during a match at Bolton
And during the 2008/09 campaign Ferguson was banned for two games and fined £10,000 after admitting a charge of improper conduct.
The Scot came on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Mike Dean after United beat Hull on 1 November.
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