Ferguson faces FA improper conduct charge

(CNN) -- Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz have been charged with improper conduct by the English Football Association (FA).

The charges follow strongly-worded remarks made by both men in the aftermath of United's shock 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth at Old Trafford last month.

Ferguson was furious that referee Martin Atkinson did not award an early penalty to United when Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be barged off the ball by Pompey's Sylvain Distin, calling the decision "absolutely ridiculous."

He went on: "Managers get sacked because of things like that and he's going to referee a game next week."

The fiery Scot also publicly criticized referees' chief Keith Hackett accusing him of "not doing his job properly."

Portuguese Queiroz made similar comments about Atkinson in an outspoken attack.

The shock defeat ended United's hopes of emulating their 1999 treble season although they remain favorites to retain their Premier League title and win the European Champions League.

Both men have until April 17 to respond to the charge and could face a touchline ban and fine if found guilty.

Earlier this season, Ferguson admitted a charge of using abusive language towards referee Mark Clattenburg after the Premier League leaders' 1-0 defeat at Bolton.

Portsmouth, the only surviving Premier League team in the FA Cup, play West Bromwich Albion in the semifinals at Wembley on Saturday. E-mail to a friend