MANCHESTER (DF) -- In the wake of his five game touchline ban for improper conduct by the FA, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has vowed not to appeal the decision, instead deciding to shift his focus onto a new policy towards the media-- one which will see him ignore the press and refuse interviews at every opportunity.
The FA's disciplinary panel charged Ferguson with improper conduct on March 3rd after the Scot criticized match official Martin Atkinson for his poor performance during United's recent Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge. Ferguson's comments received widespread condemnation in the English press, which many feel may have contributed to the FA's swift action.
"He's going to take a step back from the mainstream media," confirmed a United press officer early Friday morning. "We've never understood why, but there is a clear bias against Manchester United in the press and that bias directly contributed to the disproportionate ban he received this week."
Ferguson's incendiary remarks regarding Martin Atkinson were made in a post-match interview with MUTV, Manchester United's internal television channel. After the interview aired, the United manager reportedly cut off all contact with the channel, refusing an opportunity to defend himself and his comments in another taped interview.
Jack Wick, a senior producer for MUTV, refuted claims the channel has a bias against Manchester United and insisted they take an open and honest approach to their reporting. "Even though we're funded directly by Manchester United and BSkyB, we like to provide balanced coverage to our viewers."
"We've been broadcasting for nearly 15 years and we feel as if we've always given him a fair opportunity to make his case to our subscribers. If someone finds our coverage to be biased, then we have a simple solution-- don't watch. We love United and we have a deep respect for Alex Ferguson. It's our job to keep people honest."
"Sometimes you just have to poke them with a stick," Wick continued. "That's how you show love."
MANCHESTER (DF) -- Outspoken Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will appeal his recent improper conduct charge to the Football Association, levied against him after he criticized match official Martin Atkinson, and ask that he be allowed to officiate all future United league and cup games himself.
The charges against Ferguson were announced on Thursday by the FA after the Scot's stinging assessment of referee Martin Atkinson's performance during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Atkinson failed to send off Chelsea defender David Luiz for a second bookable offence, gave the Blues a decisive penalty, and issued marching orders to United defender Nemanja Vidic.
"You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway, one who will call things our way, and we didn't get that," said a disgruntled Ferguson to club TV after the loss. "I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst."
The 39-year-old Atkinson has a history involving high profile Manchester United games, with the Bradford-born official taking charge of the controversial 2009 Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Atkinson added on six minutes of injury time, more than the time announced by the fourth official, allowing United to score a last minute winner. The event was roundly ridiculed by then City manager Mark Hughes, but lauded by United boss Ferguson.
"Martin Atkinson has consistently shown a bias against Manchester United," claimed a Red Devils spokesperson at a Friday press conference. "Time and time again, obvious decisions have gone against us, and results have been affected. We don't know what we've done to Mr. Atkinson, apart from treating him with the upmost hospitality whenever he's at Old Trafford. Fine dining, expensive wines; all the things visiting officials should expect from a side like United."
"Unfortunately, this red vendetta appears to be a trend emerging in match officials up and down the country. The only simple solution to correct this clear bias is to allow the United manager to officiate games himself, from the sidelines. We believe this to be fair and we will be making this point to the FA at the hearing."
Should he be found guilty by his friends at the FA, Ferguson would immediately activate a suspended two game touchline ban, picked up last season after comments he made regarding the lung capacity of referee Alan Wiley.
