Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson has received a two-match touchline ban and a £1500 fine following his antics in the 4-2 defeat against Derby County last month, the FA have confirmed.
The 51-year-old was given his marching orders in the second half of the high-tempered League One clash, although Ferguson denied charges that he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures.
Speaking after the game, Posh assistant manager Kieran Scarff claimed there was a real confusion surrounding the incident, saying;
“There is a real confusion around football with the new rules, but the lack of consistency still remains.
“There is always going to be emotion in football, whether it be on the pitch, in the dugout or in the stands.
“Obviously it’s got to be appropriate and there was nothing inappropriate as far as I was concerned. Their dugout couldn’t believe it either.”
However, the FA have ruled that Ferguson was guilty as charged and issued the two-match ban and fine. Confirming the news on social media, a statement read;
“Darren Ferguson has been given an immediate two-match touchline suspension and £1,500 fine for two breaches of FA Rule E3.1 that took place around the 71st minute of Peterborough United’s game against Derby County in the EFL League One on Saturday 26 August. The manager denied a charge that he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or gestures before he was sent off. He also denied a charge that his behaviour was improper in failing to leave the technical area immediately after being sent off.
“An independent Regulatory Commission found these charges to be proven an imposed his sanctions following a hearing. It’s written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course.”
Regulation and Discipline update on @theposh: pic.twitter.com/F40S2dIPSO
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) September 12, 2023
Ferguson’s two-match ban will begin tonight when his side host Cambridge United in the EFL Trophy, whilst he will also miss Saturday’s League One clash with Leyton Orient.
Writer’s View
Darren Ferguson always maintained his innocence in this case, but the rules have become tighter for both players and managers this season. It seemed that he was always fighting a losing battle here, but he will be bitterly disappointed by the outcome nonetheless.
Peterborough are already playing catch-up in their hope to match last season’s march to the play-offs, having won three and lost three of their opening six fixtures. However, they can take some solace in the fact that one of the two games in which he will be missing from the touchline comes in the EFL Trophy.
