Sir Alex Ferguson is waiting to discover whether he will face FA action over his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson's performance at Chelsea.
United boss to learn fate after Atkinson rant
Sir Alex Ferguson is waiting to discover whether he will face disciplinary action after the Football Association requested a copy of his post-match interview with
MUTV from Tuesday's encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Manchester United manager was unhappy with a number of the decisions made by referee Martin Atkinson following his side's 2-1 defeat in midweek.
Atkinson's call to award the Blues a late penalty for a foul by Chris Smalling on Yuri Zhirkov was described as 'soft' by Ferguson, but it was the failure to send David Luiz off for a clear trip on Wayne Rooney after the Brazilian had already been booked that really annoyed the Scot.
Although the United manager's comments on
Sky Sports were critical of the official, it is the remarks he made to his club's own in-house station which the FA believe may have gone too far by questioning Atkinson's integrity.
The FA has no power to order
MUTV to hand over a copy of the interview but feel it would be in Ferguson's best interests as it can often bring comments into context that look harsh in print.
Feared the worst
"You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway - and we didn't get that," Ferguson told
MUTV.
"I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst."
Ferguson will learn by 4pm on Friday whether he will be charged with improper conduct and face a touchline ban.
Given the United boss already has the remaining two matches of a four-game touchline ban hanging over him following scathing comments about Alan Wiley's fitness last season, a further spell in the stands appears inevitable if misconduct is proved.
It will not come into effect before Sunday's trip to Liverpool though as a 'non-standard' case such as a manager's media comments is not heard with the rapidity of a normal case under the FA's fast-track disciplinary system, which means it is likely to be next week before any ban could be imposed.
Frank Lampard scored the controversial penalty to seal victory for the Blues after Luiz had cancelled out Rooney's opener, leaving the title race wide open.
The Red Devils go into this weekend's clash at Anfield still four points clear at the top of the Premier League, but nearest rivals Arsenal now have a game in hand.
