Fergie to fight FA charges

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is to fight the two FA misconduct charges brought against him following his side’s win at Newcastle last month.

Ferguson is facing one charge of improper conduct and another of using foul and abusive language to the match officials at St James’ Park on August 23.

If the case against him is proven, Ferguson faces the prospect of either a lengthy touchline ban, a huge fine or possibly both, although he can point to a previously unblemished disciplinary record should the final verdict go against him.

Ferguson initially lost his temper with referee Uriah Rennie when he decided against dismissing Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien for a blatant foul on Ryan Giggs, even though the Welsh international appeared to be clean through.

The United boss made his disgust at the decision known to fourth official Jeff Winter and was seen to kick a ball away in anger as he continued to voice his discontent.

Winter called Rennie to the touchline to inform him of Ferguson’s comments, and the referee then ordered the fired-up Scot out of the dug-out.

However, as he was making his way down the tunnel, Ferguson turned back and launched another volley of abuse at Winter before eventually departing for Bobby Robson’s managerial office, where he watched his side turn Newcastle’s first-half advantage into a 2-1 win.