Was Darren Fletcher harshly sent off?

In the wake of Manchester United’s comprehensive victory over Arsenal on Tuesday, debate has been raging amongst football fans about whether Darren Fletcher’s red card was merited.

Whilst there is no doubt that the Scot caught Fabregas in the box, replays show that he did get to the ball, so whilst most would agree that it was a penalty, the red card seems very harsh.

To his great credit Fletcher, after being shown the red, didn’t protest at all. He simply looked hugely disappointed as he walked off the pitch.

UEFA today have confirmed that the only scenario in which a red or yellow card can be rescinded is if the referee mistakenly sent off the wrong player, and as this is clearly not the case here, he will miss the final in Rome.

Speaking after the victory yesterday, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “In respect to the referee in this situation he might look at it himself without anyone asking him. We shouldn’t ask him. He’s competent and fair enough to look at it himself possibly.”

“Apparently, you can’t appeal and if that’s the case it’s disappointing for the boy.”