Ferguson hit with two-match suspension

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Alex Ferguson will serve a touchline ban in his side’s matches at home to Everton and away at Portsmouth after being punished for his comments about referee Alan Wiley.

The Scot’s punishment – which also includes a further two-match ban suspended until the end of the 2010/11 season and a £20,000 (€22,300) fine – was imposed after he claimed the official was “just wasn’t fit enough” to take charge of United’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland last month.

Ferguson admitted a charge of improper conduct relating to his comments.

Peter Griffiths QC, who chaired the FA regulatory commission which handed out the punishment, said Ferguson’s reputation meant he had to take more care when going public with criticism.

“Each member of the commission recognised Alex Ferguson’s achievements and stature within the game,” he said.

“Having said that, it was made clear 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.”

Alan Leighton, national secretary of officials’ union Prospect, is disappointed by the ruling and believes the authorities missed an opportunity to make a statement to back up the FA’s Respect campaign.

“From our point of view it is disappointing. The FA had a chance to make a point and they flunked it,” he said. “To question the fitness of referee is to question his ability to do the job and his integrity. We don’t think this is sending the right message out to other managers.’’