Fletcher hopes dashed as red card stands

MANCHESTER UNITED’s hopes of overturning Darren Fletcher’s red card have been dashed.

UEFA yesterday confirmed that a protest against a sending off would only be allowed on the basis on mistaken identity – and not on whether the referee had been too harsh.

UEFA head of communications Rob Faulkner said: “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.”