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Ferguson and Queiroz cleared over FA Cup tirades

28/05/2008

Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz have been cleared of improper conduct following their comments to the media after Manchester United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth in March.

The United manager, who recently completed a Premier League and Champions League double, was called on by the Football Association to answer the charges because of his criticism of match referee Martin Atkinson after seeing his side beaten 1-0 at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals.

Ferguson also hit out at Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) chief Keith Hackett, accusing him of having "favourites" among Premier League officials.

He said Hackett has "a lot to answer for in this country", adding: "I don't think he's doing his job properly."

Queiroz was cited for his comments regarding Atkinson, who he described as "a robber" and someone who "watched only one side".

However, a statement from the FA read: "At an independent regulatory commission hearing today, charges against Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and assistant manager Carlos Queiroz were found not proved.

"Ferguson and Queiroz were charged with improper conduct in relation to media comments made following Manchester United's FA Cup sixth round tie against Portsmouth in March.

"Ferguson's charge concerned comments about referee Martin Atkinson and PGMO general manager Keith Hackett, while Queiroz's charge related to comments about Martin Atkinson."