Sir Alex Contests FA Charge

Manchester United have confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson will appeal against his improper conduct charge.

The Football Association charged him yesterday (Thursday) following comments he made about referee Martin Atkinson following the Reds' 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night. The manager was given until 16:00 GMT on Tuesday 8 March to respond.

A club spokesman told ManUtd.com, "Sir Alex has responded to the FA today to deny the charge of improper conduct. He has requested a personal hearing."

Meanwhile, United have refuted claims that the FA requested a copy of Sir Alex's post-match interview from the club's official television channel, MUTV.

The spokesman said, "Contrary to reports in the press, the FA have not, at any point, contacted the club, or MUTV, to ask for a copy of the manager's post-match interview."