Fletcher agony as United fail in their bid to wipe out Champions League red card

Published: 11 May 2009 - 16:29:10

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Fletcher agony as United fail in their bid to wipe out Champions League red card

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher today lost his battle to play in the Champions League final. The Scottish star was unsuccessful in his appeal against his harsh sending off in last week's semi-final triumph over Arsenal. But Barcelona, United's opponents in the final, were also dealt a blow as defender Eric Abidal failed to win a reprieve over his controversial red card against Chelsea 24 hours later. Both men will both be distraught after UEFA's disciplinary committee rejected both clubs' appeals ahead of the crunch showdown in Rome on May 27. Abidal's loss is arguably more crucial as Barca will already be without first-choice defenders Daniel Alves and Rafael Marquez, who are suspended and injured respectively. Alves also lost his appeal today against the yellow card at Chelsea that triggered his ban. But Fletcher's ban is still a massive blow for United, who are on the hunt for the quadruple. The midfielder has emerged as a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's side this season after long being regarded as a squad player at best. He was dismissed in the second leg win at the Emirates for bringing down Cesc Fabregas, who was charging through on goal. But video replays clearly showed Fletcher touching the ball away before chopping down the Arsenal midfielder. Footage of Abidal tackling Nicolas Anelka also apppeared to show the Barcelona left-back getting his foot to the ball before felling the Chelsea man.