United Won't Appeal Fletcher Dismissal
By Chris O'Brien
December 30 2003
Manchester United have revealed that they will not appeal against the red card shown to winger Darren Fletcher during the tight 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough. Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson had described Matthew Messias' decision to send off his fellow Scotsman as "ridiculous".
| United Won't Appeal Fletcher Dismissal |
| Manchester United will not appeal to
the red card shown to young Winger Darren Fletcher during the 1-0 victory
over Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Fletcher was dismissed from the field by referee Matthew Messias after receiving two yellow cards, with the second being for a foul on 'Boro midfielder Bolo Zenden. Many critics have deemed Fletcher receiving his marching orders for the two fouls as harsh, and Alex Ferguson told the media after the match that he thought the decision was "ridiculous". However, it has now been confirmed that United will not appeal to the decision, due to complicated rules of appealing against a sending off caused through two seperate offences. "We will not be appealing." said United spokesman Paddy Harverson. "Under the rules as we understand them, you cannot appeal against two yellow cards." |