Man United's Ferguson accepts 5-game suspension

Man United's Ferguson accepts 5-game suspension

Published Mar. 17, 2011 2:58 p.m. ET

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has accepted the fine and five-game suspension he received for making critical comments about a referee after a Premier League match.

Ferguson is ''disappointed'' about the discipline, but will not appeal the $48,000 fine and ban.

The Football Association has accepted a request for Ferguson's suspension to begin immediately rather than Tuesday, meaning the Scot can return for the May 1 league match against title rival Arsenal.

Ferguson was disciplined for criticizing Martin Atkinson's following a 2-1 loss to Chelsea on March 1, saying his team didn't get a ''fair'' referee.

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Ferguson said Thursday that soccer is ''the only industry you can't tell the truth in.''

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