14 May 2011

Sir Alex charged over referee comments

6:37 am on 14 May 2011

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association over comments about referee Howard Webb in which he called him "the best referee in the country".

The charge, which comes two months after Ferguson received a five-match touchline ban for criticising referees, relates to views expressed at a news conference before last Monday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea.

FA regulations make it clear that managers are not allowed to comment on referees before a match, regardless of whether the statements are positive or negative.

Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti rallied to the support of Sir Alex, the Chelsea boss Ancelotti admitting he's baffled by the FA charge - while even Ferguson's long-time rival Wenger was bemused by the FA decision.

Wenger joked that it was a shock to the FA as they are not used to Sir Alex being complimentary.

Ferguson will rest goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for Sunday's trip to Blackburn Rovers but otherwise field a full-strength team as he seeks to wrap up the Premier League title.

Ferguson wants to keep the 40-year-old, who is retiring at the end of this season, fresh for the May 28 Champions League final against Barcelona and hopes his team can pick up the point they need for the domestic title without him.

A draw against struggling Blackburn would seal a record 19th English league title, while if they should lose they could still secure it on Monday if Chelsea do not beat Newcastle United.