Source: Daily_Mail
Fergie banned: But refs are livid as Man United boss is hit by 'wrist-slap'
Sir Alex Ferguson came in for scathing criticism from an FA regulatory commission on Thursday after becoming the first manager to receive a touchline ban for comments made to the media.[LNB]The Manchester United manager was condemned for the 'grossly improper' remarks he made about referee Alan Wiley and last night he was warned he could yet have to defend an unprecedented court action launched by the referees' union, Prospect, who called his punishment a 'slap on the wrist'.[LNB]After a three-hour hearing at the Royal Lancaster hotel in London on Thursday, Ferguson emerged with a four-match touchline ban, two games suspended until the end of next season, and a £20,000 fine.[LNB]Ferguson said Wiley 'just wasn't fit enough' to officiate in the Barclays Premier League after United's 2-2 home draw with Sunderland last month.[LNB] Anger: Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at referee Alan Wiley[LNB]Peter Griffiths QC, who chaired the commission, said: 'Each memberof the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements andstature within the game. Having said that, it was made clear to SirAlex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.[LNB]'The commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context inwhich they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improperand wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what he did.'[LNB]United will receive the commission's written report in the next few days, after which Ferguson has a further 14 days to appeal.[LNB] Drama: United claimed a draw against Sunderland thanks to a late goal deflected off defender Anton Ferdinand (No 5)[LNB]But on Thursday night sources suggested Ferguson was happy to acceptthe punishment, with the official United website reporting that hewould be watching from the stands for his side's home clash withEverton and their away trip to Portsmouth.[LNB]Ferguson did acknowledge that he was wrong to say what he did inpublic. And he also accepted that, while he did try to apologise, thesomewhat half-hearted apology was not that well received and onlycontributed to the situation spiralling out of control.[LNB]The commission nevertheless recognised the apology and also the fact that at no point did he question Wiley's integrity.[LNB]Still furious: Sir Alex Ferguson is approached by the fourth official as he shows his anger during United's defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge[LNB]That said, Ferguson is understood to have stuck to his view that thefitness of referees in the Premier League remains a concern.[LNB]The referees are still angry though, not least with a punishment that, according to FA regulations, still allows Ferguson to join his players in the dressing room before and after the game and during the half-time interval as well. [LNB]The regulations were changed recently to prevent managers from simply sitting in the row of seats behind the dug-out. But last night the FA admitted they have no powers to stop Ferguson staying in touch by phone with his coaching staff during the game.[LNB]The regulations were changed recently to prevent managers fromsimply sitting in the row of seats behind the dug-out any kind ofcommunication is now forbidden but at Old Trafford the directors' boxis not that far behind where Ferguson would normally sit.[LNB]Alan Leighton, the referees' union leader, said: 'We've started aprocess of taking advice and have got somebody who is prepared to lookat this. We were hoping the FA would give an exemplary punishment andnow we need to think about whether we do something to enforce thatpoint. If Prospect hadn't got involved to defend Alan, he could havelost his job.[LNB]'One of the things we are asking is whether these comments are defamatory. I intend to talk to Alan Wiley to see if he wants to sue on the issue.[LNB]'The comments were so far beyond the pail and the punishment doesn'treflect that. I've spoken to Alan. I know he's disappointed and I thinkthe other referees will be disappointed, too. The chairman of thecommission said the comments were 'grossly improper', so this seemslike a slap on the wrist.'[LNB] Fare cop: Sir Alex arrives by taxi to hear his punishment [LNB] Graham Poll: The Official Line - Sir Alex Ferguson's verdict is a total shamEXCLUSIVE: Ref Wiley in quit threat over Ferguson's rant at Man UnitedEXCLUSIVE: ProZone proves Fergie got it so wrong over 'unfit' ref Wiley Graham Poll: The official line - it is clear referee Alan Wiley is fit for the job[LNB] Explore more:People:Alex FergusonPlaces:London
