United duo charged by FA

Ferguson and Queiroz must respond to improper conduct rap

Last updated: 2nd April 2008

alex ferguson

Ferguson: Charged by FA

Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz have been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

The charges arise from media comments made by Manchester United's management team in the aftermath of the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth last month.

Ferguson complained about the performance of match referee Martin Atkinson and was also critical of PGMO general manager Keith Hackett.

Queiroz was also unhappy with Atkinson's display in the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, where United were not awarded an early penalty for a challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo by Sylvain Distin.

Both Ferguson and Queiroz have until 17th April to respond to the charge.

Disappointing

Portsmouth secured victory in the quarter-final tie courtesy of Sulley Muntari's penalty after United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak had been sent off for bringing down Milan Baros.

Ferguson had no complaints with that decision, but expressed his views on Atkinson and Hackett after the game to Sky Sports News.

"The referee's performance - well Keith Hackett I think is in a nice comfortable position and does nothing really," said Ferguson at the time.

"I don't think he makes a contribution to the refereeing performances in the country and I think that has to be addressed. I think that he's not doing his job properly.

"That guy will go and referee a game next week, no problem, you see time and time his favourites always get the games and I think that's a disappointing factor."

Comments

Tom Ashworth says...

Whatever happend to free speech! Nothing Fergie has said is particularly offensive or disrespectful, he has just voiced his opinion. It is a disgrace that the FA have the right to charge him for such small petty remarks.

Posted 17:49 3rd April 2008

Jason Carter says...

So HOW MUCH were these two jokers fined? It should be quite substantial considering they represent Man U - supposidly the biggest/best team in the UK/Europe and on the highest salaries! All kids look up to the 'big 4', so with the spotlight on respect for referees, they should be made examples of... just like Ashley Cole (Chelsea) & Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)!

Posted 15:18 3rd April 2008

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