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Ferguson in trouble again

London - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Friday for comments towards referee Howard Webb, two months after receiving a five-match ban for similar remarks.

"Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been charged with improper conduct. The charge relates to media comments made about match official Howard Webb on May 6," the FA statement said.

"Ferguson has until 17:00 (SA time) on May 16 to respond to this charge."

The comments, which seemed innocuous at the time as they largely praised World Cup final referee Webb, were made before last weekend's Premier League clash with rivals Chelsea.

United won the match and can clinch the title with a point at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The FA's tough stance against Ferguson is part of a respect campaign to stop managers talking about referees at all before or after games.

He was given a five-match touchline ban in March after saying he "feared the worst" when Martin Atkinson was appointed as referee for their away game at Chelsea.

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