Ferguson - Fletcher booking was among the worst decisions I have seen

Published: 04 Nov 2009 - 00:11:11

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Ferguson - Fletcher booking was among the worst decisions I have seen

Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming after referee Olegario Benquerenca booked Manchester United's Darren Fletcher for diving in the first half of their 3-3 draw with CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford.

Fletcher dragged the ball back inside the box and went to ground, after what looked like a cynical trip, but instead of awarding a penalty the official went to his pocket and booked the Scot for simulation.

"It was unbelievable," Ferguson said. "For what reason would a player six yards out even think about that? I couldn't believe it.

"I watched it again on the camera by the side of the dug-out. It's one of the worst [decisions] I have seen in my lifetime.

Champions League results:
Bayern Munich 0-2 Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa 0-1 Juventus
Besiktas 0-3 Wolfsburg
Manchester United 3-3 CSKA Moscow
Marseille 6-1 FC Zurich
AC Milan 1-1 Real Madrid
Apoel Nicosia 0-1 FC Porto

"The problem is, you can't appeal a yellow card. In European football it is crucial because, later in the tournament, to miss a really important game because of that is unfair.

"Uefa should look at that. They won't, but they should."

United fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 against their Russian opponents, and thus book a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

- Football.co.uk staff