17 Sep 2008Ferguson remarks to be reviewed by the FA

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

The FA will investigate Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's comments about referees' chief Keith Hackett, it has been suggested today (September 17th).

Ferguson was livid after Chelsea skipper John Terry had his red card against Manchester City rescinded, meaning he will be able to face United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

FA rules dictate that a red card cannot be rescinded unless the referee admits an error, but reports have indicated that Mark Halsey, who oversaw the clash at Eastlands, was determined to stand by his verdict.

Ferguson said: "My information is that Hackett told Halsey to rescind the red card and he would not do it.

"If it had been a Manchester United player Hackett would never have done this for us."

It is not the first time Ferguson has criticised Hackett, as he made similar comments after United's FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Portsmouth last season.

On that occasion, the FA found him not guilty of improper conduct but the Scot is seemingly unlikely to avoid punishment this time.

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