Ferguson to face no action

Sir Alex Ferguson

Published: 3:23pm, 6th February 2012
Updated: 10:31pm, 6th February 2012

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not face a disciplinary charge over his criticism of linesman Darren Cann in Sunday's 3-3 draw at Chelsea, Press Association Sport understands.

Ferguson saw his side come back from 3-0 down but was angered at Cann's decision not to flag for a foul by Gary Cahill on Danny Welbeck after the United striker raced through in the first half. The United boss thought Chelsea debutant Cahill should have been sent off as he was the last man, and launched an angry tirade against Cann after the match.

Ferguson said: "They should've had a man sent off... (but there was) nothing, no decision. That linesman (Cann), (has) given a penalty kick against us from 40 yards away last year against Liverpool, this year against Arsenal - and he can't see that? He is all too happy to flag at Old Trafford for penalty kicks."

It is understood the Football Association have ruled that the Scot was within his rights to criticise Cann, and that he did not question the assistant referee's integrity with his comments.

The decision will come as a relief to the United manager, who was hit with a five-match touchline ban and a £30,000 fine last March after the same fixture.

Then, after seeing his team lose 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, Ferguson incurred the wrath of the FA by claiming Martin Atkinson did not referee the game fairly.