2
The Football Association (FA) have confirmed the reduction of Darren Fletcher’s touchline ban after a successful appeal.
Fletcher was handed a three-match ban and a £7,500 fine for misconduct during Manchester United’s match against Brentford last month.
United came from behind to beat Thomas Frank’s men 2-1. With proceedings goalless heading into the break, referee Samuel Barrott instructed Matthijs de Ligt to leave the pitch to receive further attention for a wound that was bleeding profusely.
With De Ligt temporarily out of action, Brentford took full advantage as Ethan Pinnock headed in the ball from a corner routine.
Former United manager Erik ten Hag and his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy openly expressed their frustration with the referee’s decision, leading to bookings for their fervent protests.
A report by The Peoples Person revealed that first-team coach Darren Fletcher escalated the situation, continuing his heated protests as both teams headed down the tunnel. The former Scotland international allegedly had to be restrained by his colleagues as he vented his anger at referee Barrott and fourth official Gavin Ward.
The FA have now released a statement relaying that they’ve reduced Fletcher’s touchline ban as well as his fine.
“An independent Appeal Board has allowed an appeal by Darren Fletcher in relation to misconduct at Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday 19 October in the Premier League.”
“The FA alleged that around the tunnel area at half time the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees.”
“Darren Fletcher admitted to this misconduct, but argued that it was only towards the fourth official and the referee, and also denied that he was abusive. An independent Regulatory Commission found these charges to be proven, and it imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine following a hearing.”
The statement further reads, “The independent Appeal Board has reduced the extended touchline ban and fine to two matches and £6,000 respectively, and its written reasons will be published in due course.”
Fletcher has already served the first of his two-game ban as he missed the 3-0 victory over Leicester City just before the international break.
He will not be in the dugout alongside Ruben Amorim on Sunday, as the new United head coach takes charge of his first game since being appointed as Ten Hag’s replacement.