Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Alex Ferguson was accused of undermining the Football Association's Respect campaign by the regulatory commission which ruled on the Manchester United manager's disciplinary case.
Ferguson is serving a five-match touchline ban - he was also fined £30,000 - for his verbal attack on referee Martin Atkinson at Chelsea last month.
Following a 2-1 defeat, he said: "You want a fair referee, or a strong referee anyway - and we didn't get that.
"I must say, when I saw who the referee was I feared it. I feared the worst."
Ferguson decided not to appeal and in their full written reasons published today, the commission criticised him for not softening his stance.
They stated: "The commission was referred to Sir Alex's previous disciplinary record, which included several misconduct charges.
"Although it was his entitlement to do so, he denied the present charge in the face of a strong, if not compelling, case against him.
"Although he denied any intention to question Mr Atkinson's integrity, he should, at the very least, have realised the import of what he said.
"It follows that any credit to which Sir Alex may have been entitled by admitting the charge, and reduction in sanction, was lost.
"In addition, it follows from his denial of the charge that no clarification or retraction of any of his comments has been made by Sir Alex and no apology given to Mr Atkinson, even after the charge had been brought."
The panel added: "The commission regarded this as a serious aggravating feature and rejected Sir Alex's case that his use of the word 'fair' was effectively retracted during the interview itself.
"The commission also took the view that Sir Alex's comments undermined the attempts by the association, through its Respect campaign to encourage higher standards of behaviour within the game, including respect for officials."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments