Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has decided not to appeal against his two-match ban and fine for abusing a match official, the English FA confirmed today.
Ferguson was banned from the touchline and fined £10,000 sterling yesterday for comments directed at the fourth official during the English champions' 2-1 premier league win at Newcastle United on August 23rd.
Ferguson will serve his ban with immediate effect, the FA added. The FA found Ferguson guilty of improper conduct and using insulting language at a lengthy disciplinary hearing attended by the United manager in Manchester yesterday.
Ferguson was sent from the dugout by referee Uriah Rennie after complaining that a penalty was not awarded following a challenge by Newcastle's Andy O'Brien on United winger Ryan Giggs during the game at St James' Park.
The 61-year-old Scot appeared to swear at fourth official Jeff Winter on his way from the dugout.
Ferguson watched the rest of the match from Newcastle manager Bobby Robson's office.
United are due in Ferguson's home town of Glasgow for Wednesday's Champions League match against Scottish champions Rangers.