Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a
two-match touchline ban and a £5,000 fine by the Football
Association.
The Scot will not be present in the Red Devils dug-out for the trip
to West Ham on December 29 or the home encounter with Birmingham on
New Year's Day, 24 hours after he celebrates his 66th
birthday.
An FA statement said: "At a Regulatory Commission hearing
yesterday, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was given a
two-match touchline ban, starting on Friday 28 December. He was
also fined £5,000.
"Ferguson admitted a charge of using abusive and/or insulting words
towards referee Mark Clattenburg at half-time of United's game
against Bolton on Saturday 24 November.
"As he did not request a personal hearing, the case was dealt with
on the basis of written statements and video footage."