Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson appealed against a charge of improper conduct by the Football Association on Friday following his criticism of a referee.
Ferguson was furious with match official Martin Atkinson's performance in United's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday, saying his team didn't get a “fair or strong referee.”
“Sir Alex has responded to the FA today to deny the charge of improper conduct,” United said.
Both United and the FA said Ferguson has requested a personal hearing, which will take place no later than March 25.
If Ferguson is found guilty, he would have to serve a suspension of at least two matches. Half of a four-match penalty for questioning referee Alan Wiley's fitness last season was suspended until the end of this campaign.
More games could then be added to that suspension for his latest outburst, which was sparked by Atkinson's refusal to send off Chelsea defender David Luiz for fouls on Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney after the Brazil international had already been booked.
“I must say, when I saw who the referee was, I feared it. I feared the worst,” Ferguson said on United's in-house television channel, MUTV.
Ferguson was also critical of the awarding of a late penalty to Chelsea for United defender Chris Smalling's foul on substitute Yuri Zhirkov. Frank Lampard converted the spot kick for what proved to be the winning goal.
The defeat at Stamford Bridge kept United's lead over second-place Arsenal at four points, with the Gunners having a game in hand.
Ferguson's side faces a tough trip to northwest rival Liverpool on Sunday, while Arsenal is at home to a struggling Sunderland side that has lost its last four matches.
Source: The Globe and Mail
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