Source: Telegraph
Manchester United pessimistic over Darren Fletcher red card appeal
Manchester United midfielder Fletcher is awaiting the outcome of the club's written appeal to Uefa for the decision to be overturned on the basis of TV evidence showing that the player won the ball when conceding a penalty with a challenge on Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas during the 3-1 semi-final victory at the Emirates on Tuesday. [LNB]Uefa's disciplinary committee is due to study the appeal on Monday, with Ferguson admitting that United hold little hope of success. [LNB] Related ArticlesChelsea wait on Uefa verdictUefa offer Fletcher hopeFerguson's trust in youth pays offGrateful Barca have final sayChelsea v Barcelona: ReactionBarca v Man United: Culture clashItalian referee Roberto Rosetti has stood by his decision to dismiss Fletcher in his match report and Ferguson conceded that he himself believed the penalty decision to be correct at the time of the incident. [LNB]But with the semi-finals marred by further controversy following Chelsea's elimination against Barcelona on Wednesday, when referee Tom Henning Ovrebo was confronted by a series of Chelsea players, Ferguson insists that Fletcher's acceptance of his dismissal deserves recognition. [LNB]Ferguson said: "We understand the (appeal) system and I honestly believed the referee had made the correct decision at the time. [LNB]"From where I was, I thought it was a penalty, but when you see the replay, it's obvious that Darren has managed to get his leg round and flick the ball away from Cesc Fabregas, which was incredible. [LNB]"Darren is an honest player. An old-stager might have thought, 'Go on and score' because of the scoreline. [LNB]"But Darren was still determined enough to try to do his job and prevent the goal, but he has given away a penalty. [LNB]"He is quite a placid lad, Darren. He's not an overly-emotional boy. He accepts it, but it's disappointing for him, obviously. [LNB]"He takes great credit for the way he handled it all." [LNB]Despite Uefa's admission that they will make a decision on United's appeal next week, Ferguson fears Fletcher's prospects are bleak. [LNB]He said: "I'm not optimistic at all, but we have to do it for Darren really. It's in fairness to him. [LNB]"Sometimes, when everything is addressed, you never know what might happen, but I don't think it will be overturned. The referee made an honest decision." [LNB]Premier League rivals Chelsea could face Uefa sanctions following the reaction of their players following the Barcelona game. [LNB]And Ferguson admits that such high stakes often lead to excessive reactions from players. [LNB]He said: "It was three minutes into injury-time when Barcelona scored, so Chelsea will be feeling that. But that's football isn't it? [LNB]"Football creates emotions, there is no doubt about that. It's an emotional game and we have seen that time and time again with players' emotions in football matches. [LNB]"After it, when you cool down, you say to yourself 'I'm sorry I did that.' It happens." [LNB]
