Ferguson escapes disciplinary action
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Alex Ferguson will not face any disciplinary action over his remarks criticising referee Mark Clattenburg for sending off Darren Fletcher, the Football Association have confirmed.
The Manchester United midfielder was given his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards against Birmingham on Saturday.
Afterwards Ferguson appeared to imply that Clattenburg had been inconsistent this season but the FA decided his remarks did not cross the boundary to allege bias or impute the official's integrity.
An FA spokesman confirmed: "No action will be taken in relation to Sir Alex Ferguson."
The decision will come as a relief to the United boss, who has a two-match suspended touchline ban hanging over him after he questioned Alan Wiley's fitness earlier this season.
After Fletcher's red card at Birmingham, Ferguson said he had been "watching Mark Clattenburg this season".
He added: "As far as I'm concerned, I've not seen a softer sending-off for a long time. It is ridiculous.
"That referee did the Arsenal-Tottenham game earlier in the season and you needed to hit someone with an axe before he booked anyone in that game."
"There were some wonderful and weird decisions tonight."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments