Ferguson hits out at FA

Sir Alex Ferguson has lashed out at the Football Association, claiming that harsher punishments are dealt out to Manchester United than other clubs.

The United boss was handed a five-match touchline ban last season for criticising referee Martin Atkinson, while striker Wayne Rooney was given a two-match suspension for swearing at a television camera when celebrating a goal.

Ferguson, who could have has many as eight players in the England team for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifiers, said the FA treated his team ‘like s**’.

“The FA may realise who has produced more players for their country than any club in the world,” he said.

“Maybe they will realise how important we are to England instead of treating us like s***.”

The Scot’s comments come ahead of England’s Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales in September, with Fabio Capello set to name his squad for the matches on Sunday evening.

“It’s not a problem, it’s fantastic,” he continued.

“Maybe they will realise how important we are to England. I am pleased for the players. They are outstanding.”