Sir Alex Ferguson: Football Association have ‘double standards’ on disciplinary matters because of Manchester United’s success

According to The Mirror, the Scot is convinced that the team’s standing and success in Premier League is the reason behind his assertion that the FA treats them more strictly when it comes to sanctions than other clubs.

Following the Red Devils’ defeat at Chelsea last season, Ferguson received a five-match ban along with a £30,000 fine for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson’s performance.

The FA then handed a two-match ban to striker Wayne Rooney after his live foul-mouthed tirade into a television camera after completing a hat-trick at Upton Park a month later. But despite these incidents, Ferguson is convinced there is undue attention on United when it comes to discipline.

“I think sometimes there is an unfair focus on United when it comes to disciplinary issues,” he told reporters at a pre-season match conference in the United States.

“It will always be there and I think we know that. I don’t really know whether it’s about me or the club. That’s a difficult one.

“Maybe there is some resentment about United at the top level because of our success.

“I think that has got something to do with it. They have certainly always found a way to treat
us differently.

“It has been happening for a while now and they always seem to find a way to ‘do’ us when, with others, it is seemingly forgotten.

“Personally I felt hard done by last season. I defend my club, but that’s my job. Part of the problem is that when I make comments, the media are on to the FA right away.

“There is no doubt about that. Then they feel forced to do something and they are afraid of what might happen if they don’t.  There is no consistency in the disciplinary process.”

For Ferguson, the most notable incident demonstrating this perceived double standard came when Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo faced an FA disciplinary hearing in 2003 when they were involved in an altercation between Arsenal players and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford.

“The best one was when the Arsenal players attacked Ruud van Nistelrooy and they charged Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he added.

“We went to the meeting and there was a long table and about twelve of them sat there. There was a girl taking notes and about five old guys and one of them was sleeping.

“Maurice Watkins, our solicitor, nudged me and said ‘have a look at that’. What a bloody joke! Honestly!

“It was at a hotel near Heathrow. It must have cost a grand for the room, tea and sandwiches. It cost a fortune just to say ‘Not Guilty’.”