Gill Bemoans United Treatment

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has claimed that the club were unfairly targeted by the Football Association last season.

The Red Devils saw striker Wayne Rooney handed a two-match ban for swearing into a television camera after scoring in the 4-2 victory over West Ham at Upton Park.

And Old Trafford manager Sir Alex Ferguson was hit with a five-match touchline suspension for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson in the wake of their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.

Gill, who is a member of the FA board, was speaking in new book Champ19ns, which covers the club's record 19th top-flight title last term.

He said: "I do genuinely believe there have been some poorish decisions that, in my opinion, wouldn't necessarily have hit other clubs.

"That's not to say I'm condoning Wayne's comments, because I don't think they were correct, or what Sir Alex said (about Atkinson) because it wasn't helpful.

"But at the same time, the actual punishments were harsh. We're possibly being caught up in being one of the biggest clubs and the 'Respect' agenda being there.

"What better way to demonstrate the authorities are being tough than by hitting one of the biggest clubs the hardest?"