VERBAL REASONING
Last updated : 17 September 2003 By Editor
The BBC reports that Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to contest his Football
Association charge within the next 24 hours. Ferguson was charged with
misconduct after his verbal outburst against match officials during last month's
victory at Newcastle.
But the departure of United chief executive Peter Kenyon last week saw him
granted an extension to the 14-day deadline he was given to respond to the
charge.
Ferguson is facing a touchline ban or a heavy fine after being sent to the
stand by referee Uriah Rennie following a heated exchange with fourth official
Jeff Winter.
Ferguson reacted angrily to Rennie's decision not to punish Andy O'Brien for
bringing down Ryan Giggs on the edge of the Newcastle area.
He faces two separate counts, one relating generally to alleged "improper
conduct" and the other specifically to claims that he used abusive language to
the match officials.
