Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher has been handed a three-match touchline ban and fined £7,500 by the Football Association (FA) for misconduct. The ban stems from a furious rant directed at officials during halftime of Manchester United’s match against Brentford on October 19.
The FA alleged that Fletcher acted in an improper and confrontational manner, using abusive and insulting language towards the fourth official, referee, and assistant referees in the tunnel area. The FA’s statement, released on Friday reads,
“An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher for misconduct at Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday 19 October.”
While Fletcher admitted to misconduct, he denied using abusive language. However, an independent Regulatory Commission found the FA’s allegations to be true and imposed the sanctions.
The ban means Fletcher will miss Manchester United’s upcoming Premier League matches against Leicester, Ipswich, and Everton. He will also be notably absent for incoming manager Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge against Ipswich.
The incident against Brentford wasn’t Fletcher’s first outburst this season. He was previously charged with misconduct for a similar incident during Manchester United’s victory against West Ham. In that instance, Fletcher was seen angrily reacting to a late penalty decision against his team, shouting an expletive-laden phrase.
According to reports, Manchester United is preparing to appeal the severity of the ban, despite Fletcher’s admission of misconduct.
