Alex Ferguson Punished for Questioning Referee Alan Wiley's Fitness

WEMBLEY, England (AP) -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was banned from the bench for four games - two of them suspended - and fined $32,000 on Thursday for criticizing the fitness of referee Alan Wiley after a Premier League game.

Ferguson received the punishment when he appeared before a Football Association disciplinary panel at Wembley Stadium on a misconduct charge.

After his team drew 2-2 with Sunderland on Oct. 3, Ferguson said Wiley was not fit enough to handle the game. Although he later apologized, the FA has banned him from the bench for two domestic games and left two more suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Ferguson was also warned as to his future conduct.

The chairman of the disciplinary panel, Peter Griffiths, said it took into account Ferguson's achievements in winning 11 Premier League titles in 17 seasons at Old Trafford as well as multiple cup and Champions League titles.

"Each member of the Commission recognized Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements and stature within the game," he said. "Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.

"The Commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate. He should never have said what he did say."

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