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Darren Fletcher may still earn a reprieve to play in final
Andrew Hodgson7 May 2009
Darren Fletcher has been given a glimmer of hope that he could still play in the Champions League Final in Rome.
The Manchester United midfielder was told yesterday that he would be banned from the game with Barcelona following his red card for a professional foul on Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in Tuesday's semi-final.
UEFA appeals are normally only allowed where there is a case of mistaken identity but one of the organisation's representatives gave Fletcher a glimmer of hope last night.
David Taylor, the former head of the Scottish Football Association, spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson after the match at Emirates and believes Fletcher has a case. He told The Sun: “I've spoken with Alex Ferguson personally on this — as fate would have it we shared a car after the match. We had an interesting discussion.
“He was very fair about the referee but equally was disappointed for Darren.
“Strictly speaking there is no appeal process but representation can be made. If the club want to write with information explaining why they think this is a harsh punishment then they can do that.
“The likelihood is we'd refer it to our disciplinary body who would then see if there were any special circumstances to justify any departure from established procedures.”
Paul Scholes, who missed United's final in 1999 through suspension, was the first to sympathise with Fletcher. He said: “It's the biggest game of your life, the European Cup Final. Everyone wants to be playing and it is desperately disappointing if you can't be.”
Reader views (5)
To be clear, I'm all for rugby-style citing of foul play, and review of red and yellowcards but ONLY in clear circumstances. and I can't see how you can justify the retrospective change of laws, however stupid.
I feel bad for Fletcher, but what was he thinking of? Well ahead, no chance of losing, and he lunges in from behind!
If this was Drogba would we be pleading for special circumstances?
Fletcher has to shoulder the blame for a daft challenge, and take the punishment. At least he took it like a man.
- Fresh, LONDON, 07/05/2009 13:19
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Jon, do you also feel Arsenal could appeal against Ronaldo's theatrics to con the referee into giving (yet another) free kick. After all it resulted in a goal, the ball being struck by his just before crippled leg ?
After all, as you say its about what is right !
Ronaldoo makes Lazarus look like a hypochondriac
- Steve, London, 07/05/2009 12:54
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Usual 'special' treatment for United! The referee made a decision that Fletcher came from behind in a manner that may endanger the player Fletcher was tackling. The rules state that a dangerous tackle ie in these circumstances, lunging tackle from the rear could have injured the Arsenal player. Once it was deemed a foul & being in a goalscoring position, there was no alternative, but to send Fletcher off. Incidentally, as an English team I would hope United win the final.
- Rob Gooner, North London, 07/05/2009 12:45
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No Fresh, a special deal in the circumstances- as a Man U supporter I would welcome a special deal for Chelsea in their circumstances - it's not about being partisan it's about what is right.
Man U get in these situations because they are their at this stage in the tournament.
My feeling is that this will go nowhere anyway as it would create a dangerous precedent. I think the rules should allow appeals for sending offs as this case deserves.
Whatever happens Utd have the strength in depth, this is about a player's personal dream - would you deny him the opportunity?
- Jon, london,England, 07/05/2009 11:26
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A special deal for Man U? Do me a favour!
- Fresh, LONDON, 07/05/2009 10:59
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