Wednesday May 6, 2009 18:32
Fletcher facing Scholes-like misery
Posted by The Soccer Blogger as Champions League
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Darren Fletcher faces the prospect of missing the Champions League Final after his controversial sending off in Tuesday’s 3-1 semi-final second-leg win over Arsenal.
The Manchester United midfielder appeared to clear the ball from Cesc Fabregas before colliding with the Arsenal man, but Roberto Rosetti sent Fletcher off and awarded Arsenal a second-half penalty.
United are set to appeal the decision, but Fletcher was distraught and sat alone on the United team bus as the holders travelled back to Old Trafford.
One man, other than Sir Alex Ferguson, who might just put a consoling arm around Fletcher is Paul Scholes.
Scholes, who could get the nod to replace Fletcher if the ban is upheld, was suspended for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999.
Scholes was a key man in reaching the Nou Camp final, but his suspension meant he had to miss out as two stoppage-time goals handed United a memorable 2-1 win on their way to the Treble.
Scholes eventually exorcised those ghosts in Moscow 12 months ago, a game Fletcher spent on the bench as an unused substitute, as United defeated Chelsea on penalties to claim their second Champions League crown.
Team-mate Michael Carrick had some consoling words for Fletcher, who has been one of United’s unsung heroes this season.
“It is just so harsh for Darren,” Carrick said.
“He has been unbelievable this season and when a situation arises like that it is so hard to take.
“It was not deserved because we can all see the referee might have got it wrong. I could not believe it when the red card came out.
“You can’t blame the referee because these things happen. Hopefully something can be done to change it and he will be available for the final because we don’t want him to miss out.”
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Tags: champions league final, man utd, The Treble