Ferguson accepts touchline ban

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not be appealing his five-game touchline ban, the Football Association has confirmed.

The Scot was reprimanded for his criticism of match official Martin Atkinson after United’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last week, in addition to being handed a 30,000 pound fine.

Ferguson was candid in his assessment of his punishment on Thursday, saying: “It is disappointing. It (football) is the only industry you can’t tell the truth in.”

But despite his opinion, United have chosen not to contest the ban, meaning Ferguson will will be missing for his side’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal as well as four league matches.

“The FA can confirm that Manchester United will not be appealing Sir Alex Ferguson’s five game touchline ban,” a statement from the FA read.

“Manchester United have also requested that the ban starts with immediate effect. This has been accepted by the FA.”