SOCCER:ALEX Ferguson is refusing to speak to Manchester United's own television station after being charged with improper conduct for his outspoken criticisms of the referee Martin Atkinson.

Ferguson has cancelled his weekly media briefing ahead of Sunday’s game at Liverpool and the club have confirmed MUTV will not be allowed any time with the manager after airing the interview that could lead to him having to watch up to five games from the stands.

The United manager had been heavily critical of Atkinson’s performance in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday, blaming a series of decisions and suggesting Atkinson should not have been appointed because it demanded “a fair referee”.