LONDON, 21 October 2003 — Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was banned from the touchline for two matches and fined 10,000 pounds ($16,770) by the English Football Association yesterday for abusing a match official.
The punishment related to comments directed at the fourth official by Ferguson during the English champions’ 2-1 Premier League win at Newcastle United on Aug. 23.
The FA found Ferguson guilty of improper conduct and using insulting language at a lengthy disciplinary hearing attended by Ferguson in Manchester yesterday.
The start date of the ban is still to be confirmed, the FA said in a statement.
Ferguson was sent from the dugout by referee Uriah Rennie after complaining that a penalty was not awarded after a challenge by Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien on United winger Ryan Giggs during the game at St. James’ Park. The 61-year-old Scot appeared to swear at fourth official Jeff Winter on his way from the dugout. Ferguson watched the rest of the match from Newcastle manager Bobby Robson’s office. Manchester United director Maurice Watkins told Sky Sports television that Ferguson was considering whether to appeal against the punishment.
“It is fair to say he is a little disappointed with the outcome,” Watkins said.
An FA spokeswoman said the ruling body expected to hear later whether Ferguson would appeal. United are due in Ferguson’s home town of Glasgow for tomorrow’s Champions League match against Scottish champions Rangers.
