Manchester United have decided not to appeal
against Patrice Evra's four-match ban for a post-match fracas at
Chelsea last season.
The French full-back was handed the punishment by the
Football Association almost two weeks ago, stunning Sir Alex
Ferguson.
The United boss was livid at the verdict, describing it as "the
worst decision I have ever known".
However, after examination of the case, United have decided not
to take the matter further.
It appears unlikely Evra could win an appeal given he had
already admitted he was at fault for the incident at Stamford
Bridge involving Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell.
Evra was fined £15,000 in addition to his suspension, and it is
the ban which will disturb Ferguson more.
The former Monaco defender, who has travelled with United for
their Club World Cup quest in Japan, will now be ruled out of
domestic competition until mid-January.
He misses the Premier League encounters with Stoke and
Middlesbrough, the FA Cup third round tie at Southampton on January
3, plus the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby four
days later.