FA hit back at Ferguson over Rooney ban

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson had described the procedures as "flawed, immoral and unfair" after Wayne Rooney was given a three-match ban for violent conduct for shoving his hand into the face of Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim on Sunday.

The English Football Association (FA) launched a defence of their disciplinary system after they had come under fire from Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.

The United boss had described the procedures as "flawed, immoral and unfair" after star striker Wayne Rooney was given a three-match ban for violent conduct for shoving his hand into the face of Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim on Sunday.

Under the FA's 'fast-track' system for incidents not seen by the referee, players cannot have personal hearings - something that Ferguson claimed was unfair.

"The fast-track system, which was welcomed by all parties, is designed to introduce greater speed and efficiency into the handling of cases," the FA said in a statement.

"For sending-off incidents not seen by the match officials, the priority is to replicate the process and time-frame of incidents seen and dealt with by the referee.

"Accordingly, players charged for incidents unseen by the match officials are dealt with by three-man disciplinary commissions, on the basis of written and video evidence submitted by the player and the FA.

"Neither side has the opportunity to be present at the hearing, and any suspension imposed takes effect immediately.

"However, charges may be denied, and commissions may rule that charges are not proven."