Dedworth
24th March 2011, 11:12
The Football Association has ruled that Sir Alex Ferguson risked damaging football's integrity in his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson.
Craig Moore, chairman of the FA Commission that punished the Manchester United manager, wrote Ferguson had "undermined the FA's Respect Campaign".
"Respect for referees integrity is essential for the integrity of football," barrister Moore said.
Ferguson was banned earlier this month for five games and fined £30,000.
The FA ruling came after the Manchester United boss stated that his side did not get a "fair or strong" referee in their 2-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 1 March, which Atkinson officiated.
Moore commented that Ferguson's failure to apologise to Atkinson after the comments were made was a "serious aggravating" factor when punishing him.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9434094.stm
Craig Moore, chairman of the FA Commission that punished the Manchester United manager, wrote Ferguson had "undermined the FA's Respect Campaign".
"Respect for referees integrity is essential for the integrity of football," barrister Moore said.
Ferguson was banned earlier this month for five games and fined £30,000.
The FA ruling came after the Manchester United boss stated that his side did not get a "fair or strong" referee in their 2-1 Premier League defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 1 March, which Atkinson officiated.
Moore commented that Ferguson's failure to apologise to Atkinson after the comments were made was a "serious aggravating" factor when punishing him.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/9434094.stm