FA Warned Ferguson Over Conduct

The FA has warned Manchester Unite boss Sir Alex Ferguson over his future conduct after the Scot was charged for comments relating to referee Howard Webb before their 2-1 league win over Chelsea earlier this month.

Ferguson was in hot water with the FA earlier this season after comments he made about Martin Atkinson and his performance during his side’s defeat at the hands of Chelsea earlier in the season, and was given a five game touchline ban.

The United boss was charged this week after breaking a rule which states a manager cannot comment on a referee – even though Ferguson spoke positively about Webb – before a game.

While no punishment has been handed out to Ferguson, an FA statement revealed they had spoken to Ferguson about his future conduct.
“It was a minor breach, but a breach nevertheless," said an FA statement. “This rule was brought in at the start of the 2009/10 season and this was reiterated formally to all clubs again on 21 October 2010.”

"This is a clear breach of the rule and it is the first time such a matter has been placed in front of a commission. As a result of this charge, the commission were aware of other occasions where pre-match comments were made by other managers.” It continued.

"In this case, it was considered to be a minor breach and it should be taken as a warning to all managers in the future that any such breach, even positive comments, are likely to result in a charge by the FA."

The charge sullied what was an otherwise historic weekend for Ferguson after he clinched United’s 19th league title, overtaking the previous record of 18, held by bitter rivals Liverpool.

Ferguson will now turn his attention to the Champions League final before focusing on improving his squad for next season, with much speculation surrounding Brazilian Pato, and whether he will be seen in the AC Milan 2011/12 Home Shirt or a Man Utd shirt next season.