Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Fergie fined for ref outburst

12 Nov 2009 - 14:16:45

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined £20,000 and handed a four-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Alan Wiley following the 2-2 draw with Sunderland in early October.

Ferguson has been punished for questioning Wiley's fitness, with two games of his four-game ban suspended until the end of next season.

FA Regulatory Commission chairman Peter Griffiths QC commented: "Each member of the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements and stature within the game.

"Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.

"The commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what he did say."

Ferguson had fumed after the draw at Old Trafford: "He was not fit enough for a game of that standard.

"The pace of the game demanded a referee who was fit. He was not fit. It is an indictment of our game.

"You see referees abroad who are as fit as butcher's dogs. We have some who are fit. He wasn't fit."