Solskjaer, Shaw escape ban for controversial remarks about referee

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and defender Luke Shaw avoided a potential ban Monday for suggesting referee Stuart Attwell deliberately overlooked a penalty during Sunday's goalless draw against Chelsea.

Shaw said Attwell had told United captain Harry Maguire that he couldn't award a penalty to the Red Devils on Sunday because it would cause too much controversy.

Solskjaer affirmed Shaw's account in a separate interview. However, the club later said Shaw misheard the conversation Attwell had with Maguire, according to Rob Harris of The Associated Press.

The Football Association ultimately cleared United after a short investigation.

"The FA has reviewed all of the information available in relation to post-match media comments made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Luke Shaw on Sunday but does not consider them to be breaches of its rules and regulations and will be taking no further action," the governing body said in a statement obtained by ESPN's Rob Dawson.

United believed Attwell missed a clear penalty when Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi's hand appeared to touch the ball as he jockeyed for position in the first half.

Attwell halted play while United were in possession to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. After a short delay, the referee stuck with the non-call.

Under FA Rule E3 (1), the Football Association can charge a manager or player if they make comments that "imply bias" or "attack the officials' integrity."

Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo was fined £25,000 in January for criticizing referee Lee Mason. The Portuguese manager refused to apologize for his comments.