Despite apology after apology, Sir Alex has been punished by the English Football Association for criticizing referee Alan Wily’s fitness after a 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Sir Alex was fined and banned from the touchline for 4 matches, 2 of them suspended.

Suspended? Basically, if Sir Alex “misbehaves” at a future date, he can be punished for the second offense in addition to being banned two games for the prior misconduct. I understand the rationale: deterrence. Supposedly, Sir Alex will not want to engage in risky behavior with the 2 games hanging over his head.

But does this rationale add up? Here’s how I think it will play out…

Let’s assume Sir Alex is a rational actor and take look ahead at United’s schedule. In early January, it would be in the Scots’ best interest to have a go at a ref before or after the Birmingham game, sit out Burnley & Hull City, and then have no leash in the build-up to the potentially crucial Arsenal game.

He could also wait until the end of March, complain after the West Ham match, miss Wolves & Fulham, and have a license to ill vs. his nemesis Mr. Benitez. Assuming Rafa is still employed.

Or maybe, just maybe, a coach who throws shoes at his players is not a cunning sophisticated actor. In which case, the premise behind suspended sentences is an academic’s wet dream but a legal practitioner’s headache.

I think Sir Alex will try to get the games served before the Arsenal game, assuming he doesn’t make any related New Year’s resolutions.

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1. West Ham United, West Ham Divided