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.”

The decision means Fletcher will be suspended for the final in Rome.

United boss Alex Ferguson had hoped referee Roberto Rosetti would have admitted it was a mistake to give Fletcher a straight red card for a foul on Cesc Fabregas in the box.

“To miss the final, it’s a tragedy,” said Ferguson.

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

Although the FA have moved towards a position where refs rescind red cards, both UEFA and FIFA strictly maintain the rules that match officials’ decisions should remain sacrosanct.