Fergie waits for FA decision

ALEX FERGUSON will not find out until today at the earliest whether he is to be charged by the Football Association.

The Manchester United manager seems almost certain to face some sort of disciplinary action following his four-letter tirade at fourth official Jeff Winter during Saturday’s 2-1 win at Newcastle despite a previously unblemished record.

However, because of the Bank Holiday, the FA will not get around to reading referee Uriah Rennie’s report on the incident until today, after which they must decide whether to launch an official inquiry.

Ferguson has refused to apologise for the incident, which followed a tackle by Andy O’Brien on Ryan Giggs which the Scotsman felt merited a red card. However, he has admitted that he will have to curb such excesses in future.

“I am aware that the fourth official has been given stricter guidelines this season so I suppose I will have to curb my behaviour in future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thierry Henry claims Arsenal have closed ranks behind Sol Campbell to show the England central defender how important he is to the side.

Campbell is up on an FA disciplinary charge after being caught on camera kicking out at Eric Djemba-Djemba during the Community Shield against Manchester United. He was also sent off in the first league match of the season against Everton.

Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires have already rallied behind the England man and now Henry, the architect of Arsenal’s 4-0 win at Middlesbrough on Sunday, has added his voice to the clamour of support at Highbury.

Henry said: “It was important for us to show to Sol that he is one of us. What’s happened to him has happened to Patrick and to me in the past, and to other players as well. When that happens, we have to keep it together and keep tight as a unit and a team.”