FA Silent Over Fergie Plea

The Football Association has taken the unusual stance of refusing to confirm Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's response to his most recent improper conduct charge.

The FA has been criticised for charging Ferguson over comments he made about referee Howard Webb 48 hours before his side met Chelsea in the Premier League at Old Trafford on 8th May.

Even Ferguson's old adversary, Arsene Wenger, defended the Scot, claiming: "He is entitled to have that opinion. To me, it doesn't look to be a major problem to say that somebody is good.

"I would not charge him for that."

Having given Ferguson a five-match touchline ban for comments made about Martin Atkinson at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, the FA is aware it appears to be singling the United boss out at present.

However, it was made clear in a letter issued to all managers in October that any pre-match comments, whether positive or negative, would be interpreted as an attempt to influence an official and deemed in contravention of Rule E3.

In refusing to say how Ferguson had responded, or when the matter would be dealt with, the FA is presumably trying to take the heat out of the situation.

It will also be mindful of the fact any hearing could disrupt United's preparations for their UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona at Wembley on 28th May. United also offered no comment.

It has previously been suggested Ferguson would expect to be handed a fine at worst for his latest misdemeanour.

"We have received correspondence from Manchester United with respect of the improper conduct charge issued to Sir Alex Ferguson on 13th May," said an FA statement.

"The matter will be dealt with by the disciplinary committee in due course."