Manchester United’s hopes of overturning Darren Fletcher’s red
card have been dashed by UEFA, who state that
overturning the Scot’s suspension for the Champions League final
would open a “Pandora’s Box”.
UEFA have 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.
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.”
United boss Sir 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 Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas in the
box.
“He’s one of the most honest players in the game and 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 English FA have moved towards a position where
referees regularly rescind red cards, both UEFA and FIFA strictly maintain the
rules that match officials’ decisions should remain sacrosanct.
A UEFA source added: “It opens Pandora’s
box if you can challenge every decision. And if you rule that it is
not a red card, then you are also saying it is not a penalty, and
therefore not a goal, and what do you do then – start changing the
results of matches afterwards?”
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also admitted the red card was
“very harsh” after television pictures clearly showed Scottish
international Fletcher – a non-playing substitute at last year’s
final – played the ball.
