Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
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• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

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UEFA rule out Fletch appeal

06 May 2009 - 11:04:00

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UEFA have ruled out the possibility of Manchester United appealing against Darren Fletcher's sending-off in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final win over Arsenal.

Fletcher was red-carded 15 minutes from time in the 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, meaning that he will miss the Final in Rome later this month.

UEFA head of communications Rob Faulkner confirmed: "Manchester United have the right to file a protest within 24 hours of the match.

"However a protest against a caution or sending-off is only admissible if the referee's error was to mistake the identity of the player."

Fletcher was harshly dismissed for a professional foul on Cesc Fabregas, with referee Roberto Rosetti unable to see that the Scotland midfielder had in fact played the ball.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted after the game: "He's disappointed and he should be disappointed. He's one of the most honest players in the game and, to miss the Final, it's a tragedy. He was distraught.

"In respect to the referee in this situation he might look at it himself without anyone asking him.

"We shouldn't ask him. He's competent and fair enough to look at it himself possibly.

"Apparently, you can't appeal and, if that's the case, it's disappointing for the boy."