UEFA Could Consider Fletcher Ban

7 May 09 by Bill

Fletcher Sent Off

Darren Fletcher may be permitted to play in Rome when United take on Barcelona in this season’s Champions League Final.

Fletcher was sent off 15 minutes before the end of United’s semi-final victory over Arsenal but replays clearly show the midfielder made contact with the ball before bringing down Cesc Fabregas .

With UEFA rules as they are, there is no room for an appeal but as we said yesterday, article 9.1 does give UEFA’s disciplinary body the power to make changes to any punishment or suspensions resulting from an on pitch incident.

David Taylor, UEFA’s general secretary, told The Sun newspaper:

“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.”

Come on UEFA, do the right thing!

Update (7/5 3:30pm): Manchester United have asked UEFA to overturn Feltcher’s red card. I don’t think they will be able to overturn it based on their regulations but I am feeling confident he wont serve any suspension.