LONDON: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has accepted a charge of improper conduct following his comments on the fitness of referee Alan Wiley. Ferguson criticised Wiley after his team’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Sunderland on October 3. Those comments infuriated many referees who claimed it was unwarranted and would leave a lasting stain on Wiley’s reputation. The referees’ union Prospect subsequently called for Ferguson to be given a lengthy touchline ban. Ferguson has requested a personal hearing with the English FA.