By JOHN BOSCHINI
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a five-match ban by the English FA following critical comments of a referee earlier this month.
The Scottish manager blasted match official Martin Atkinson following United’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on March 1. He said the English FA had not provided a “fair or strong referee” for the pivotal match. The original sentence was for only three matches but it was extended due to a two-game suspended sentence Ferguson incurred when he questioned referee Alan Wiley’s fitness. The FA also handed down a $48,000 fine.
The touchline ban doesn’t take effect until March 22. Ferguson will miss four Premier League matches, including a vital trip to the Emirates, and United’s FA Cup semifinal clash with Manchester City.
Here are some more stories to get you through the afternoon.
The Japanese FA has canceled international friendlies against Montenegro and New Zealand after a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit the northeastern shore of Japan. Domestic action has already been canceled indefinitely.
EGYPT TO RESUME DOMESTIC LEAGUE
In a sign of increased stability for the embattled country, the Egyptian FA has confirmed that its domestic league will resume play next month. The Egyptian football league has been out of action for two months following intense political turmoil but will return April 15. To compensate for the missed time, the league will play its final round of matches on July 10.
SCHALKE FIRES MANAGER
Schalke 04 has fired manager Felix Magath as the German club continues to struggle in the Bundesliga. Despite an appearance in the German Cup final and a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, Schalke has fallen to 10th in the Bundesliga table. No replacement has been named but it is widely expected that Ralf Rangnick will take over at the beginning of next season.
ABIDAL TO UNDERGO SURGERY ON TUMOR
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will undergo surgery tomorrow to remove a liver tumor and will be sidelined for the immediate future. Abidal, 31, was diagnosed Tuesday. Real Madrid and Lyon, who face off in the Champions League later today, planned to wear t-shirts wishing the French international well but their request was denied by UEFA.
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What do you think of today’s stories? Did Ferguson deserve his ban? Disappointed Japan won’t be able to play next week? Wishing Abidal well tomorrow?
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