Fergie charged over referee comments - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Fergie charged over referee comments

Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his remarks about referee Alan Wiley's fitness.

The Manchester United manager has already apologised to Wiley but that has not saved him from an FA charge.

He now has two weeks to respond and can request a personal hearing if he wishes.

Ferguson made his comments following United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3.

He accused Wiley of not being "fit enough for a game of that standard" and accused him of "walking up the pitch for the second goal needing a rest".

Ferguson could face a hefty fine or a touchline ban if he is found guilty of the charge.

The FA said in a statement: "Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct.

"The charge relates to media comments made by Ferguson about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on October 3. He has until November 3 to respond to the charge."

Ferguson apologised to Wiley a week after making the remarks having concluded his attack was ill-judged.

He said then: "I apologise to Mr Wiley for any personal embarrassment that my remarks may have caused and to the FA for going public with my views."

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