FA PREMIER LEAGUE:ALEX FERGUSON is expected to escape sanction from the Football Association in England following his latest outburst against match officials after the Manchester United manager criticised Mark Clattenburg for his performance during the Premier League champions' 1-1 draw against Birmingham City on Saturday night

The FA confirmed it was looking into Ferguson’s post-match comments but it is understood the United manager is unlikely to be charged and so will not trigger the two-match touchline ban that was suspended until the end of next season.

Ferguson, who was told to treat match officials with more respect after his verbal attack on Alan Wiley in October, was furious with Clattenburg’s decision to award a second yellow card to Darren Fletcher late on at St Andrew’s.

He described the dismissal as “absolutely ridiculous” and suggested Clattenburg, who defended his decision, had previously been more lenient with players at other clubs.

“I’ve not seen a softer sending-off in a long time,” Ferguson said. “It was absolutely ridiculous. I watched Mark Clattenburg when he was in charge of the Arsenal v Tottenham game [in October last year].

“In that match you had to have somebody hit by an axe before there was a booking. But he sends a player off for that here. For a start he’s not that kind of player. He clips the boy. The boy actually stumbles. He didn’t even go down. I think it was a terribly soft sending-off, I really do.”

Ferguson, who in November was given a four-match ban – half of it suspended – for his comments about Wiley not being fit enough to referee in the Premier League, would appear to be skating on thin ice with his constant criticism of officials even if he is not punished this time.

“The FA have noted Alex Ferguson’s comments about the match official after the Birmingham City-Manchester United match and will consider whether this is a matter for their governance and disciplinary department today,” said an FA spokesman.

Clattenburg, however, remains adamant he was correct to dismiss Fletcher. The referee recalled the stern verbal warning he gave the United midfielder for dissent before issuing a first yellow card and suggested that Fletcher’s foul on Cameron Jerome, in the 84th minute, was deliberate.

“It’s a second yellow card,” said Clattenburg. “He was booked for dissent and then he got cautioned for a foul and then he cynically just trips him [Jerome].”

While United flew to Doha yesterday for training until Thursday West Midlands police have confirmed seven people were arrested after clashes between Birmingham and Manchester United supporters before and during the match.

Ferguson’s frustration at United failing to regain top spot in the League has been compounded by the news striker Dimitar Berbatov may need exploratory knee surgery.

Berbatov was unable to play on Saturday and Ferguson gave a debut to summer signing Mame Biram Diouf who came on as a second half substitute.

Ferguson said: “Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again.

“He may have to have an exploratory operation.”

Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal’s title bid will be “in danger” if they fail to produce their best in every remaining game.

The Gunners missed the chance to put real pressure on leaders Chelsea, whose match was postponed, when they were forced to settle for a point after coming from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against Everton at Emirates Stadium through a stoppage-time goal from substitute Tomas Rosicky.

Wenger accepts his team – without both impressive Cameroon midfielder Alex Song and injured captain Cesc Fabregas, who is expected to return from a hamstring problem at Bolton next weekend – did not produce the required standard in the face of a determined opposition.

However, after hauling themselves back into what looks set to be a thrilling conclusion to the title battle, the Arsenal manager expects more consistency.

“Of course, I would have signed for that, to be this close in the race,” said Wenger, whose side were some 11 points adrift following the comprehensive 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea at the end of November.

“But you could see from this match that every game is difficult and as soon as you drop your level a little bit, you are in danger.

“That is what happened to us.

“We did not find the speed in our passing to get Everton out of position, and they did very well.”

Arsenal had their momentum disrupted somewhat by the midweek postponement of the home clash against Bolton, and failed to find much rhythm in what was their first match since the departure of Song for the African Nations Cup.

Wenger, though, expects his squad to adapt. “I knew before Song left that he would be missed,” said the Gunners boss.

“However, I do not want to draw a quick conclusion because too many players were off the pace. We struggled for a while when we lost [Robin] van Persie as well, so we have to find a new balance, new responsibilities, and a share of responsibilities in our game.”

Wenger, meanwhile, will continue to keep an “open eye” on the transfer window. He said: “If the right opportunities come up, we will do something, but at the moment I am still only looking.”