Ferguson must explain 'deal' talk
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- English FA chiefs have asked Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to explain comments suggesting they did "a deal" with Arsenal over a recent disciplinary hearing.
A statement on the FA official website on Wednesday said his remarks "appear to raise issues about the integrity and impartiality of the FA's disciplinary process."
The FA have also written to United asking if Ferguson's comments reflected their position as a club -- and both parties have until November 11 to respond.
Ferguson was unhappy about punishments given to title rivals Arsenal and their players following incidents during and after a Premiership match between the teams in September.
The FA fined Arsenal and selected players a total of $465,800 for their involvement in the fracas.
In addition four Arsenal stars -- Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown, Ray Parlour and Lauren -- received bans totalling nine games. But the league leaders suffered no loss of points.
"I read in the papers this morning that they (Arsenal) did a deal (with the FA) before they went in there...." Ferguson had said.
"....and I think that was the suspicion right through the country, that there was a deal been done."
United players Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo were also charged by the FA for their part in the disorder. They requested personal hearings and the cases have yet to be heard.
Trouble had flared following a last-gasp penalty miss by United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in the 0-0 draw on September 21.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the punishment had been severe but added that even if the players were hanged in London's Hyde Park it would not be enough for some of the club's critics.
Ferguson was handed a two-match ban and $16,730 fine last month for abusing a match official during a Premier League game at Newcastle on August 23.
