SIR ALEX:I WOULDN'T BET ON IT

Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to
brush off claims that he will not
be charged by the Football
Association for his outburst
directed at match official Simon
Beck, telling reporters: "I
wouldn't bet on it."
With Manchester United leading
1-0 in their Premier League game
against Tottenham on 20
January, Wayne Rooney went
down in the penalty area after
appearing to be fouled by Spurs
defender Steven Caulker,
prompting Sir Alex to criticise the
official's performance in his post-
match observations.
The FA subsequently invited the
United manager to explain his
comments, which he did, and the
governing body must now
decide by Tuesday evening
whether or not to charge the 71-
year-old Scot.
However, Sir Alex himself believes
that a potential charge is
personal.
He told reporters: "I just think it
is more about me than what I've
said. Whether I think it is unfair
or not doesn't matter to them
really at this point.
"That is what I have put in my
letter exactly. But you know the
FA.
"You never know. It is one of
these things. We are high
profile."
The Manchester United manager
suggested that the media had a
huge part to play in the charges,
with fellow Premier League
managers Roberto Mancini and
Harry Redknapp only being given
warnings earlier in the season
for similar offences.
He added: "I think that is what
you will find [the media's
reaction]. That is why they have
sent me a letter."