Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
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Fergie not hopeful over appeal

08 May 2009 - 11:45:50

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Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United have appealed Darren Fletcher's Champions League red card, but he doesn't expect UEFA to overturn the controversial decision.

The Scotland midfielder is set to miss the Final against Barcelona on May 27 following his red card in the 3-1 semi-final second leg victory over Arsenal on Tuesday.

Fletcher was sent off despite clearly making contact with the ball rather than Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas in the penalty area during the second half at the Emirates Stadium.

UEFA have confirmed that its control and disciplinary body will meet on Monday to discuss the red card, but Ferguson is not optimistic of being able to name Fletcher in his squad for the Rome Final.

"I'm not optimistic at all, but we have to do it for Darren," he said.

"It's in fairness to him and sometimes, when everything's addressed, you never know. But I don't think it'll be overturned.

"I honestly believe the referee made the right decision at the time because, from his angle and from where I was, I thought it was a penalty.

"You see the replays and it's obvious that Darren has managed to get his leg round and flick the ball away from Fabregas, which was incredible.

"Darren's so honest that where an old stager might just have said (to Fabregas) 'Go and score', he still was determined enough to try and do his job.

"He's not an over-emotional boy and he accepts it. It's disappointing for him obviously, but he takes great credit for the way he's handled it all."