The Football
Association is to review the comments Manchester United manager Sir
Alex Ferguson made following his side's FA Cup defeat by
Portsmouth.
Ferguson criticised referee Martin Atkinson, and hit out at
referees boss Keith Hackett for what he perceives as a lack of
action over poor officials.
A spokesman for the FA said: "We are aware of the comments and
will be giving them consideration."
If any action is taken, Ferguson would face a fine, not a
touchline ban. <!-- E SF -->
United lost Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final 1-0 but Ferguson
felt his side should have had a penalty when Sylvain Distin blocked
Cristiano Ronaldo in the first half.
Ferguson told MUTV: "It's absolutely ridiculous. I cannot
explain it.
"Managers get sacked because of things like that and he's going
to referee a game next week."
And he felt Keith Hackett, the general manager of the
Professional Game Match Officials Board, should take more
responsibility when officials under perform.
"Hackett has got a lot to answer for in this country," added the
Scot. "He's not doing his job properly.
"He should be assessed like everyone else is assessed. I'm
assessed as a manager, the players are assessed, referees are
assessed.
"Martin Atkinson will referee next week, no problem, but his
performance today should not be accepted in our game."
