Ferguson fined

At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was fined £20,000, warned as to his future conduct and given a four match touchline ban of which two are suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Ferguson admitted a charge of improper conduct relating to media comments made about referee Alan Wiley following United's match against Sunderland at Old Trafford on 3 October.

Commission Chairman Peter Griffiths QC said after the hearing: “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.”

The suspended sanction will be automatically activated should Ferguson be found guilty of a similar charge before the end of the 2010-11 season on top of any sanction imposed for that offence.