United accept Evra punishment
Manchester United have decided not to appeal against Patrice Evra's four-match ban for a post-match fracas at Chelsea last season.
The French full-back was handed the punishment by the Football Association almost two weeks ago, stunning Sir Alex Ferguson.
The United boss was livid at the verdict, describing it as "the worst decision I have ever known." However, after examination of the case, United have decided not to take the matter further.
It appears unlikely Evra could win an appeal given he had already admitted he was at fault for the incident at Stamford Bridge involving Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell.
Evra was fined £15,000 in addition to his suspension, and it is the ban which will disturb Ferguson more.
The former Monaco defender, who has travelled with United for their Club World Cup quest in Japan, will now be ruled out of domestic competition until mid-January.
He misses the Barclays Premier League encounters with Stoke and Middlesbrough, the FA Cup third round tie at Southampton on January 3, plus the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby four days later.
