Simon Hopper runs the rule over the weekend World Cup play-off games between Russia v Slovenia, Greece v Ukraine and Portugal v Bosnia – click here to see his top tips and all the best betting.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has received a two-match touchline ban for the comments he made about referee Alan Wiley’s fitness.

The Football Association handed the 67-year-old a four-game ban, with two of those suspended until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Ferguson has also been fined £20,000 and warned about his future conduct.

The United boss made the remarks about Wiley’s fitness after his side’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland on 3 October.

Ferguson later apologised to the official and pleaded guilty to the FA’s charge of improper conduct, but requested a personal hearing.

Peter Griffiths QC, chairman of the FA’s four-man regulatory commission, said: “Each member of the commission recognised Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievements and stature within the game.

“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.”

Simon Hopper runs the rule over the weekend World Cup play-off games between Russia v Slovenia, Greece v Ukraine and Portugal v Bosnia – click here to see his top tips and all the best betting.

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