Two game ban for Fergie

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been handed a two-match touchline ban and a £5,000 fine by the Football Association.

Ferguson declined to fight a misconduct charge brought by the FA over his use of ’insulting words’ to referee Mark Clattenburg following the half-time whistle at United’s recent Barclays Premier League encounter with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Clattenburg sent Ferguson to the stands for the second period following the United manager’s finger-jabbing rant and with a 14-day notice period, the Scot will not be present in the Red Devils dug-out for the trip to West Ham on December 29 or the home encounter with Birmingham on New Year’s Day, 24 hours after he celebrates his 66th birthday.