/world sport
LONDON, England -- Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has been ordered to explain his outspoken comments about referee Martin Atkinson after their shock FA Cup quarterfinal exit to Portsmouth on Saturday.
Ferguson remonstrates with the fourth official during United's shock FA Cup exit.
Both Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz have been contacted by the English Football Association (FA) to ask them to explain their remarks.
An irate Ferguson claimed referee Atkinson's display was "unacceptable" and also accused referees' chief Keith Hackett of "not doing his job properly" in the wake of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Ferguson and Queiroz, who also criticised Atkinson, calling him "a robber", were furious United were not given a first-half penalty for a challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo early in the match.
They were also unhappy with the lack of protection for Ronaldo, who was fouled on several occasions by Lassana Diarra.
Portsmouth went on to win the match through a late Sulley Muntari penalty after Milan Baros had been pulled down by substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who was also sent off.
Ferguson has already admitted a charge of using abusive language to referee Mark Clattenburg following the 1-0 defeat at Bolton earlier this season.
Both he and Queiroz have until Wednesday, March 19 to respond to the FA's request. E-mail to a friend 
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