Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz Asked by FA to Explain Their Comments on Referee Atkinson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz have been asked by FA to explain their comment made on the referee Martin Atkinson who operated Manchester United’s FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth recently. Both Ferguson and his assistant made some negative remarks on referee. Martin Atkinson sent off United goal keeper Tomasz Kuszczak because of his foul on Milan Baros and eventually Portsmouth got the penalty which Sulley Muntari capitalized on fully by scoring the winner for his side. Manchester United was not given a penalty after Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled by Sylvain Distin. So, both coaches criticized the referee in the post-match reaction, for which FA has written to both of them.

Sky Sports reported:

Ferguson was left incensed with referee Martin Atkinson for failing to award his side a penalty after Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be fouled by Sylvain Distin in the first-half of United's defeat.Ferguson was also highly critical of Professional Game Match Officials Board manager Keith Hackett for his apparent lack of action in dealing with underperforming officials.

They have to respond by 19 March giving enough ground behind their comment. The referee might have given some wrong decisions which went against Manchester United but, I think, they should have protested formally in stead of making comments in public. Now, let us see what they write to FA in response.