DARREN FLETCHER could be given a
sensational Champions League final reprieve.
The Manchester United midfielder faces a ban after his red card for
fouling Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas in the semi.
But UEFA bigwig David Taylor gave him a
glimmer of hope last night, having left the Emirates on Tuesday
night with United boss Alex Ferguson.
And while UEFA rules DO
NOT allow clubs to appeal against red cards unless it is a
case of mistaken identity, the former Scottish FA chief offered
some cause for optimism.
Taylor told SunSport: “I’ve spoken with Alex Ferguson personally
on this — as fate would have it we shared a car after the match. We
had an interesting discussion.
“He was very fair about the referee but equally was very
disappointed for Darren, as are we all.
“Strictly speaking there is no appeal process but representation
can be made.
“If the club want to write to us with information — such as
video evidence — explaining why they think this is a harsh
punishment then they can do that.
“The likelihood is we’d refer it to our disciplinary body. They
would then look to see if there were any special circumstances to
justify any departure from established procedures.”