Ferguson hit with FA charge (1 Viewer)

United boss in hot water over Webb remarks

Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association over comments made about referee Howard Webb.

Ferguson's remarks came in the build-up to last Sunday's Premier League title clash between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Although the comments themselves were innocuous, including a statement that he believed Webb to be the "best man for the job", they contravened FA Rule E3, with managers not permitted to discuss referees prior to matches.

Ferguson has until 4pm on May 16 to respond.

The Scot had said:

"We are getting the best referee, there is no doubt about that.

"But getting a bad decision is definitely our big fear.

"We have the players to do it all right. We just hope it's our turn for a little bit of luck."

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Five-match ban

The problem for Ferguson is they were delivered last Friday, two days prior to the game.

That contravenes the rule which now states no manager should speak about a referee in advance of the match being played.

The United boss has just served a five-match touchline ban following comments made about Martin Atkinson in the wake of his side's Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on March 1.

However, in this instance, it does appear unlikely a suspension will be imposed.