United concede Fletcher defeat

MANCHESTER UNITED last night ruled out any further attempt to overturn Darren Fletcher’s Champions League final ban.

UEFA had earlier rejected United’s protest against the Scotland midfielder’s red card in the semi-final against Arsenal and although the club have the right of a further appeal it was made clear they stood little chance of success.

Barcelona’s protests over defenders Eric Abidal and Dani Alves were also rejected by UEFA’s control and disciplinary committee yesterday, and those players too will miss the final in Rome on May 27.