Ferguson charged after ref rant

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been charged by the Football Association following his finger-jabbing attack on referee Mark Clattenburg at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Ferguson was sent to the stands by Clattenburg following his half-time rant during United’s 1-0 defeat at Bolton, when the Scot told the official “exactly what he thought of him”.

Clattenburg included his version of the incident in his report of the game, which was examined by Soho Square disciplinary chiefs today.

It is hardly a surprise Ferguson has been called to answer the charge of “using abusive and insulting words towards an official”.

He has until December 11 to respond and is facing a fine and the possibility of a touchline ban if the case against him is proved.