FA warn Van Gaal over Cambridge remarks
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was warned by the Football Association on Wednesday over comments he made following his side’s FA Cup draw with Cambridge United, but escaped further punishment.
Speaking after the 0-0 draw at the fourth-tier side last month, Van Gaal claimed that “every aspect of the match” had been “against” his team, adding: “You saw the referee.”
The FA said in a statement: “Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing on Wednesday 18 February 2015, Louis van Gaal has been warned as to his future conduct after he was found to have breached FA Rules in relation to media comments.
“The Manchester United manager denied that his comments which followed The FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Cambridge United on 23 January 2015 alleged and/or implied bias on the part of the match referee, and/or brought the game into disrepute.”
Van Gaal had expressed surprise when informed of the charge against him and vowed to contest it.
“I am very disappointed,” said the experienced Dutchman, who joined United in July. “For nearly 30 years I have been a trainer, coach or manager and I have never been charged.
“Up to now I don’t think I said something wrong. I said in our press conference the same phrases, because I know in advance that everything is in favour of the underdog. It is always like that.”
United won the replay 3-0 at Old Trafford and then beat third-tier Preston North End 3-1 on Monday to set up a quarter-final tie at home to holders Arsenal.