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Fergie is sweating on ref rap
SIR Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney have escaped FA censure for their criticism of referee Martin Atkinson – but the Manchester United manager faces a personal hearing over the Alan Wiley affair on Thursday.
Following the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, Ferguson claimed that Atkinson’s positioning for John Terry’s winner was “absolutely ridiculous” and said that his players were losing faith in officials.
But the FA have decided that Ferguson did not attack Atkinson personally, did not imply bias or question the official’s integrity and will take no action.
However, he could face punishment later in the week as he seeks to explain his comments about Wiley in the wake of last month’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland.
Ferguson, who has been charged with improper conduct, has apologised for querying whether Wiley was fit enough to officiate and will make his case to the FA in person on Thursday.
Rooney, 24, also looked like he might be in trouble after the loss at Stamford Bridge after mouthing “12 men” at a television camera as he walked off the pitch.
England striker Rooney’s angry gesture was a reference to Atkinson’s decisions during United’s defeat.
However, the FA have decided not to punish Rooney and have settled for warning him about his future conduct.