Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he sympathizes with rivals Liverpool after Luis Suarez’s recently imposed 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.
When asked about Uruguayan’s sanction from the FA, the Red Devils chief reflected on the governing body’s decision to hand former United striker and captain, Eric Cantona, a nine-month ban for attacking a fan in January 1995.
The prolific Frenchman dived into the Selhurst Park stands during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in the 1995-1996 campaign, after a member of the crowd allegedly hurled abuse and missiles at the Red Devils man.
And while Ferguson said he feels for Liverpool following the news of the Uruguayan’s ban, the Scott also questioned the FA’s decision in regards to Cantona’s extensive suspension.
“I can understand how Liverpool is aggrieved at it, and I’m sure they are," he said. "I think back to Cantona and I have to say, a nine-month ban doesn’t equate to a ten-match ban does it?
“I keep going back to the Cantona incident, and I must say, the FA did us that day. When you think about it, a nine-month ban is quite incredible and I still can’t get around it. I would never allow that to happen now.”
Ferguson went on to slam the FA for the handling of Cantona’s outburst, and revealed FA directors guaranteed the club that their own disciplinary action of the forward would suffice, only to impose a more severe ban days later.
“I would have never listened to them in the first place when they said they would be happy if we decided Cantona’s punishment," he added. "[FA executive director] David Davies promised us that if we did there would be no more action taken.
“So we did that, we gave him a four-month ban, but two days later they charged him and sentenced him to nine. This club would never allow that to happen again. I bet Liverpool are glad they didn’t [listen to the FA], because it didn’t work with us, that’s for sure.”
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