I started a new game as Man Utd, as real life suggests it's a tough transition period and it takes hard work to retain their status. My success in the game however suggests that it's just David Moyes is shit.
I think they'd do everything possible to avoid punishing a team for the actions of fans generally. If it's a concerted effort it might be a slightly different story mind you, and I wouldn't have much confidence in anything the FL decide nowadays.
As nobody seems to know what it was, hard to say. I'd rather people be honest and admit they took glee in the news rather than ensure they're seen tutting about it though.