Manchester United Football Club News

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

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

United to escape FA action

22 Sep 2008 - 16:04:53

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Manchester United are unlikely to face any further punishment from the Football Association for their conduct in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

Referee Mike Riley handed seven yellow cards to United players which led to the club being fined £25,000.

However, Riley did not mention several controversial incidents in his match report, including Rio Ferdinand's challenge on Didier Drogba at the end of the game.

In the ensuing melee it was unclear whether Ferdinand had been sent off as he left the field in an angry mood.

However, it soon became apparent that Riley had already blown the final whistle, although several United players surrounded the official in an aggressive manner.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson chose his words carefully after the draw, saying: "It was a competitive game but I didn't think there was one bad tackle in it.

"The game is being screened worldwide. Everyone's watching it and something like that happens.

"People are saying what's going on here but it's difficult to say anything about the referee. I don't want to get involved."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed that Edwin van der Sar should be fit to face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, despite needing to be substituted at Stamford Bridge.

The veteran shot-stopper was injured in a first-half collision with Chelsea's Florent Malouda, but Ferguson confirmed: "He got some studs in the kneecap and there was a bit of swelling there but hopefully he'll be okay for next week."