Royal pardon for Fergie

THE Football Association will not be taking any action against Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson after Reading fans complained he made offensive gestures during Saturday’s game at the Madejski Stadium.

It was claimed the United manager was responding to taunts by the home fans — but he insisted he was celebrating his side’s 2-0 win.

Yesterday the FA said they would not be taking any action after studying video evidence and consulting the fourth official at the game.

The win kept United at the top of the Premier League, still edging out Arsenal on goal difference. Midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes it is now a “three-horse race” for the title.

Liverpool dropped more points on Monday as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa at Anfield and are now fifth — 14 points behind United.

Hargreaves said: “That is a massive gap. So it looks to me as though it’s going to be a three-horse race between United, Arsenal and Chelsea.”

The club have insisted they will press ahead with a minute’s silence to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster at next month’s derby against Manchester City, despite fears rival fans may try to disrupt it.

City’s official supporters club had written to United and the Premier League to request a minute’s applause be held instead prior to the match at Old Trafford on February 10.

But United communications director Phil Townsend said: “We feel a minute’s silence is the most appropriate way of paying tribute. We do not feel that applause is appropriate given that 23 people died.” The game takes place four days after the 50th anniversary of the disaster, in which seven United players died.