Manchester United have asked UEFA to over turn Darren Fletcher’s late red card against Arsenal on compassionate grounds. The Scotland international was dismissed in Tuesday’s Champions League semifinal win over Arsenal for a foul on Cesc Fabregas in the penalty box.
Replays showed the harsh nature of the call, as Fletcher played the ball before any physical contact, but UEFA confirmed on Wednesday that United do not have the right to appeal against the referee’s decision. UEFA general secretary David Taylor, however, has now revealed a circuitous avenue of appeal for Alex Ferguson and Manchester United that gives the club a slim chance of overturning the decision.
Admitting that there is no formal appeal process, Taylor said that the club could “write to us with information – such as video evidence – explaining why they think this is a harsh punishment.” Taylor stressed, however, that even the referee’s admission of a mistake does not mean that UEFA’s disciplinary body can overturn the call. ”It’s an entirely discretionary thing, whether or not the committee feels there is reason to intervene,” Taylor said.