Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined
£20,000 and given a four-match touchline ban, two of which are
suspended until the end of the 2010/11 season.
Ferguson admitted a charge of improper conduct after criticising
referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at
Old Trafford.
And at an FA Regulatory Commission hearing in London on
Thursday, Ferguson was given his punishment.
Commission chairman Peter Griffiths QC told the FA's website:
"Each member of the Commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's
achievements and stature within the game.
"Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such
stature comes increased responsibilities.
"The Commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context
in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly
improper and wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what
he did say."