Ferguson bans reporter for asking about Giggs

The Manchester United manager - preparing to take his team to Wembley for Saturday's clash against Barcelona - whispered to a press assistant: "Ban him on Friday."

It comes during a furore over free speech, heightened by MP John Hemming's naming of Giggs as the footballer at the centre of a privacy battle yesterday in the House of Commons.

The reporter - Rob Harris, of the Associated Press news agency - had asked Sir Alex: "The most experienced Champions League player in the team is obviously Ryan Giggs . How important is he for the team on Saturday?"

The question brought the curt reply: "All the players are important, every one of them."

But four minutes later, while one of Ferguson's answers was being translated for foreign journalists, he was heard via the Sky News microphone asking press officer Karen Shotbolt about "the guy that asked the question about Giggsy... at the press conference".

She replies: "Which one?"

Ferguson responds: "Him that asked the question... who?"

Ms Shotbolt, perhaps aware they may be heard, replied: "Oh yeah, I'll tell you later."

Then minutes after that, during another translation break, Ferguson is heard to ask: "Is he coming on Friday?"

Ms Shotbolt asks: "The guy with the laptop?"

Ferguson replies: "Aye. Then we'll get him. Ban him on Friday."

Giggs' name was mentioned only once by journalists during a half-hour news conference, before which they were warned by the press officer that Ferguson would talk only about the game.

Lou Ferrara, AP Managing Editor, Sport said: "Rob Harris was doing his job as a journalist by asking a question.

"Our expectation is that he'll ask more questions and be afforded the ability to do so as he covers the world's most popular sport."

The Friday ban would coincide with pre-match press activity on the eve of the Champions League clash.

Giggs attended United's Carrington training complex today but did not show up while cameras filmed training.

The ban appears to reveal Ferguson's determination not to allow the current storm around one of his most high-profile players to distract his preparations.