Fergie handed two-game touchline ban
Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a two-game touchline ban by the FA
Thursday, 12, Nov 2009 04:21
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a two-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley last month.
Ferguson will miss United's home game against Everton and the trip to Portsmouth's Fratton Park later this month after accusing Wiley of being unfit to officiate a Premier League match after the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on October 3rd.
An additional two-match touchline ban has been suspended and the punishment activated if he is found guilty of a similar offence before the end of next season.
Ferguson, who has also been fined £20,000, admitted a charge of improper conduct relating to his media comments on Wiley after the manager accused him of taking too long at stoppages because he was physically unfit.
Speaking after the hearing of the FA's disciplinary commission, chairman Peter Griffiths QC said: "Each member of the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements and stature within the game.
"Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.
"The commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate.
"He should never have said what he did."