Sir Alex Ferguson is set to appear before a Football Association disciplinary hearing on Monday to answer misconduct charges.
The Manchester United boss was charged after his verbal outburst against match officials at Newcastle in August. He is facing a touchline ban or a heavy fine after being sent to the stand by referee Uriah Rennie following heated words with fourth official Jeff Winter. Ferguson elected to have a personal hearing to answer the charges. The incident happened during United's 3-0 win at St Jame's Park on 23 August. 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. The manager kicked a ball away in disgust and remonstrated with fourth official Winter on the sidelines before being dismissed by Rennie. Winter was then subjected to a sustained four-letter tirade from the Scot. Ferguson 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. The weight of television evidence suggests Ferguson will be hard pressed to plead his innocence, and an FA commission would take a dim view if it is proved Ferguson labelled any of the officials as "cheats". But he can point to a previously unblemished record during his 17-year reign as United boss, which is expected to count in his favour. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Rent DVDs Online - Over 14,500 titles. No Late Fees & Free Shipping. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/Tq9otC/XP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/