30 May 2008FA: "The word 'robber' didn't influence Fergie misconduct verdict"

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

The FA has denied that the word 'robber' influenced a verdict that cleared Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz of improper conduct.

The Red Devils' dug-out duo were charged over comments made about officials after plucky Portsmouth ended United's treble dream by knocking them out of the FA Cup in March.

They were at an independent hearing though the FA could yet appeal and is insistent that the case didn't fail because it incorrectly believed Queiroz labelled referee Martin Atkinson a 'robber'.

"The charges were brought on more than just the issue of the word 'robber'," an FA spokesman commented, adding that "the fact that the commission found the charge was not proved does not mean that the FA made any errors in putting the case together".

Queiroz is wheeled out for post-match interviews with the BBC as his boss refuses to deal with the corporation, a stance that he has only relaxed once - when presenting an award to fellow knight of the realm Sir Bobby Robson.

© Copyright