Ferguson may face misconduct rap
Ferguson fears conspiracy
The Football Association has asked Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to explain a remark he made after Sunday's game against Newcastle.
Ferguson said it was "sinister" that his side had not won more penalties this season.
He has until Tuesday to respond to the FA and could then face a charge of misconduct and a potential fine.
Ferguson was upset that referee Neale Barry opted to turn down Alan Smith's claims for a penalty against Newcastle.
"It is getting ridiculous now. I am not sure if they are instructed but it is looking sinister to me," Ferguson told MUTV.
"That is the same referee who gave Portsmouth a penalty against us for the slightest tug by Rio Ferdinand and also denied us an absolute certainty when Louis Saha was fouled at Chelsea (in the Carling Cup semi-final).
"Since that penalty kick against Arsenal (in October), it seems to me we are not going to get another one, no matter what the circumstances.
"One of our players will need to get shot for us to get one."