Ferguson waits for FA decision

Alex Ferguson is likely to find out in the next 24 hours whether he will face disciplinary action under the referees’ new code of conduct.

The Football Association will view the reports of referee Uriah Rennie and fourth official Jeff Winter before deciding whether to act.

The Manchester United manager was sent off 24 minutes into the 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park after he reacted angrily to Rennie’s decision not to penalise Andy O’Brien for a tackle on Ryan Giggs.

He was then seen to mutter obscenities in Winter’s direction as he went off down the tunnel.

An FA spokesman said: “As with all weekend games, we will await the match officials’ reports before considering any possible disciplinary action.”

FIFA referee Mark Halsey has revealed that under a new directive officials risk suspension if they do not banish a manager to the stand should they suspect him of indiscipline.