The Scot criticised a number of decisions from Atkinson, in particular, his failure to send off David Luiz in the second half after a series of fouls by the Brazilian.
Ferguson will meet with United’s disciplinary consultant, who could advise the 69-year-old to admit the charge in order to keep the ban to a minimum. But the Daily Mirror report the Old Trafford may be hit with a substantial reprimand following his comments should be fail to admit his actions.
“You hope you get a really strong referee in games like this. It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee, you know?” Ferguson told MUTV.
“You want a strong referee, anyway, and we didn’t get that. I don’t know why he’s got the game. I must say that, when I saw who was refereeing it, I feared the worst.”
Ferguson, if found guilty, could be banned for two games, but another two-match suspension incurred following his remarks towards Alan Wiley in 2009 – which he has not yet served – would come into play, ruling him out for a total of four games.
Read more here:
Alex Ferguson Could Face Four-Match Ban Following His Criticism Of Referee Martin Atkinson