Manchester United manager fined for saying nice things about referee
May 14, 2011, 11:54 AM EDT
By Ben Chew: In the world of sports, it’s not odd to see a player or coach get fined for making disparaging remarks about a referee. However, it is odd to see someone get fined for saying something nice about them.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson decided to say something nice about referee Howard Webb before their scheduled match with Chelsea on May 8th. The only problem for Webb is that managers cannot make comments in regards to referee before games and the Football Association is looking into a fine. Here is what Ferguson had to say about Webb:
“We are getting the best referee, there is no doubt about that. But [getting a bad decision] is definitely our big fear.”
Sadly for Ferguson, this wasn’t the first time it happened this season:
Ferguson only recently returned to the dug-out after a five-game ban and £30,000 fine for his criticism of referee Martin Atkinson following a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in March.
He is unlikely to be banned again but the FA’s action is further proof they are determined to implement their Respect Campaign.
Clearly, Aretha Franklin would be pleased to hear this news.
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FA Charges Ferguson Over Referee Howard Webb Comments [BBC News]
