Source: Telegraph
Manchester United plea over Darren Fletcher has 'slim chance' of succeeding
Despite Uefa rules stating that red cards can only be appealed against on the basis of mistaken identity – not an issue in Fletcher's case – United have submitted a letter to Uefa in a final attempt at forcing a review of referee Roberto Rosetti's decision to dismiss the midfielder during the 3-1 semi-final second-leg victory at Arsenal.[LNB]Privately, United fear that their appeal will prove futile, but the move has been made in an effort to pursue every avenue for the sake of the player.[LNB] Related ArticlesUefa offer Fletcher hopeFerguson's trust in youth pays offGrateful Barca have final sayChelsea v Barcelona: ReactionChelsea v BarcelonaPaul Scholess sympathy for red-carded Darren Fletcher"The letter will go to our control and disciplinary body and they will decide whether the protest is admissible and, if it is, whether it is accepted or rejected," a Uefa spokesman said.[LNB]"The chances of an appeal being successful are quite slim because a protest is only admissible on the grounds of mistaken identity and that is not the case in this instance.[LNB]"The referee made it clear in his report that the red card was for denying a goal-scoring opportunity. That was a factual decision by the referee and you cannot change factual decisions by the referee."[LNB]Senior United officials met their Barcelona counterparts and Uefa organisers in Rome on Thursday to discuss ticketing and security arrangements leading up to the May 27 Champions League final.[LNB]United have been criticised by supporters' groups, however, for dismissing calls for a "Fans' Embassy" in the Italian capital.[LNB]Trouble has marred recent United visits to Rome for Champions League fixtures, after clashes with Italian police and home fans. Colin Hendry, the spokesman for the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association, admits the group are unhappy with United's stance on a Fans' Embassy.[LNB]Hendry said: "We have raised the issue of a Fans' Embassy with the club on numerous occasions before European trips, but they just tell us that they are 'satisfied' with the current arrangements.[LNB]"Fortunately, the Football Supporters' Federation, with funding from the Government, will be providing a Fans' Embassy. They are vital for fans because they offer advice on hospitals, solicitors, tickets and provide a central point for those who need information.[LNB]"If the Government think it is important enough, then why don't the club? We are dismayed by their stance on this."[LNB]United responded to the appeals for a Fans' Embassy by claiming that the issue has been resolved by the FSF plans to provide one.[LNB]Bayern Munich have denied receiving a bid from United for French midfielder Franck Ribery, with general manager Uli Hoeness insisting that the player is not for sale.[LNB]Hoeness said: "We would not allow Ribery to leave, even for 70 million euros." [LNB]
