London - Sir Alex Ferguson was fined and banned from the touchline for four games - two of them suspended - by the Football Association on Thursday for his comments about referee Alan Wiley last month.

The Manchester United manager will pay 20,000 pounds (33,000 dollars) and was warned about his future conduct after a meeting with an FA regulatory commission to explain the claims he made after United's 2-2 draw with Sunderland that Wiley was not fit enough to referee.

Ferguson will be banished to the stands for United's next two matches - at home to Everton and away to Portsmouth - while the suspended sanction will be automatically activated should Ferguson be found guilty of a similar charge before the end of the 2010-11 season.

"Each member of the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements and stature within the game, said the commission's chairman, Peter Griffiths QC.

"Having said that, it was made clear to Sir Alex that with such stature comes increased responsibilities.

""The commission considered his admitted remarks, in the context in which they were made, were not just improper but were grossly improper and wholly inappropriate.

He should never have said what he did say."(dpa)