Fergie ballistic at FA charge

Posted Saturday, May 14, 2011 by The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson went 'ballistic' after being charged yesterday with improper conduct.

Fergie will plead not guilty over what both he and United see as a 'stupid' FA charge.

The Old Trafford chief is in the dock simply for talking about ref Howard Webb on May 6 ahead of their crunch clash with Chelsea.

A United source said: "The manager went ballistic when he heard about this charge and the club thinks the charge is stupid.
"To be charged for praising a referee is absolutely ridiculous."

Despite the fact that Fergie's words were in praise of Webb, FA rules state managers are not allowed to comment on referees at all before a match.

The charge came just 24 hours before United try to win a record 19th title by getting a point a Blackburn today.

Ferguson is so angry he could withdraw co-operation with the FA in future, as he did for United's Cup semi-final against bitter rivals City when he refused to be involved in any promotional pictures.

That followed him being give a five-game touchline ban for another charge.

While the FA were only planning to give him a warning as a punishment for these latest comments, Fergie will still fight the charge and risk a greater punishment.

An FA statement said: "Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.

"The charge relates to media comments made about match official Howard Webb on May 6.

"Ferguson has until 4pm on May 16 to respond to this charge."

The charge relates to these comments Ferguson made at a Friday Press conference ahead of the Chelsea game: "He's definitely the best ref in the country, there is no doubt about that.

"I think we're getting the best referee. We hope it's our turn for a little bit of luck."

Fergie has already been fined £30,000 and served a five-match touchline ban this season for a verbal attack on referee Martin Atkinson following United's defeat at Chelsea on March 1.

Two games of the ban had been suspended from a previous misconduct charge.

Ferguson has spoken this season about title rivals Chelsea getting the major share of big decisions when they play each other.

When United were spared a clear penalty for the Blues in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, Fergie said he felt no guilt because he had waited so long for a decision to go their way.