Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Ferguson faces the music
SIR Alex Ferguson will travel to Wembley tomorrow for his personal FA hearing, hoping to swerve a touchline ban over his "unfit" comments aimed at referee Alan Wiley last month. The United boss was charged with improper conduct by the FA after his post-match TV verbal attack on Wiley following the Reds 2-2 draw with Sunderland, when he criticised the ref for `not being fit enough'. While the FA allow managers to comment on referee's performances they cannot make them personal or call into question their integrity. On this occasion, Fergie overstepped the mark. He later issued a public apology to Wiley but it didn't avoid the FA rap and the Referees Association were unhappy with what they deemed a half-hearted apology. Ferguson has been advised by former FA compliance officer Graham Bean in a bid to avoid the touchline ban. He is set to cite the fact that no manager has previously been hit with such a dug-out suspension for their post-match comments. As Fergie's verbal attack didn't come in the pitchside technical area, he'll argue that should avoid that punishment. However, the nature of the fitness claims, which so upset the refereeing fraternity, is set to see Sir Alex being handed a hefty fine. FIFA's hearing into Argentina coach Diego Maradona's comments after the recent World Cup tie against Uruguay will be held this weekend. Maradona let loose with a foul-mouthed tirade after his side's 1-0 win and now faces a touchline ban.
