Ferguson hit with FA charge over Atkinson comments

ALEX FERGUSON has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

Ferguson has until 4pm next Tuesday to respond to the charge, which relates to comments made about referee Martin Atkinson immediately after Manchester United’s Premier League defeat at Chelsea.

The United boss was fuming at Atkinson over his failure to dismiss Chelsea goalscorer David Luiz for clear fouls on Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney after the Brazilian had already been booked.

To compound that frustration Atkinson then awarded Chelsea what Ferguson considered a “soft” penalty when Yuri Zhirkov fell under Chris Smalling’s challenge.

Although Ferguson’s comments to host broadcaster Sky Sports are not thought to have overstepped the mark, those to United’s in-house TV station MUTV have caused concern.

“You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway — and we didn’t get that,” said Ferguson in the aftermath of the 2-1 defeat. “I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst.”

The FA asked MUTV for footage of the interview to check the context in which Ferguson delivered the words.

And, even though he immediately softened his stance, altering the word ‘fair’ to ‘strong’, disciplinary chiefs feel there is sufficient malice to warrant charging him. And unless Ferguson can persuade the FA of his innocence, he is facing a lengthy period away from the dug-out.

Ferguson already has two matches of a four-game ban still hanging over him following his comments about Alan Wiley last season, when he implied the official was not fit enough for his job.

Those games will be triggered if guilt is established, which would condemn him to the stands for United’s FA Cup tie with Arsenal on March 12, plus the Premier League encounter with Bolton seven days’ later.

Punishment for his latest indiscretion would be added.

Meanwhile Michael Carrick has signed a new contract with Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2014.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my time at this great club,” said Carrick.

“There is a fantastic team spirit within the squad and I am pleased to have committed my future to United.”

Meanwhile Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has tried to play down expectations concerning club record signing Andy Carroll’s potential debut against Manchester United on Sunday.

The 22-year-old has not had chance to turn out for his new club as he has been sidelined with a thigh injury.

Dalglish has always insisted he would be patient, but with the striker taking part in full training sessions this week, there is a chance he could be in the squad to face United at Anfield.

The Reds boss was giving nothing away, however, at his pre-match press conference yesterday.

“His training is always progressing but he has not yet progressed to a game yet,” said Dalglish, who celebrates his 60th birthday today. “Whether he will be involved on Sunday, I’m sure Fergie (Alex Ferguson) would love to know, but we don’t know yet.”