Man Utd legend Darren Fletcher restrained by colleague after ‘extremely aggressive’ referee confrontation
DARREN FLETCHER had to be restrained by a Manchester United colleague during his “extremely aggressive” confrontation with referees.
Fletcher, 40, is now a coach with the Red Devils having spent three years as technical director until April.
However, his anger boiled over during the club’s 2-1 win over Brentford on October 19 – sparking a three-match ban from the FA and a £7,500 fine.
Fletcher was furious over Ethan Pinnock’s opener just before half-time which went in while bleeding Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off the pitch to receive treatment for the gash on his head.
And now the details of the referee’s report have been revealed by the Independent Regulatory Commission – including fourth official Gavin Ward’s version of events.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Ward told the Commission: “Following the half-time whistle and as I made my way up the tunnel, I was approached by Darren Fletcher of Manchester United in an extremely aggressive manner pointing and shouting at me, ‘You are all f***ing s***, that is a f***ing joke, every f***ing week.’
“I asked him to calm down and highlighted that his behaviour was completely unacceptable at this point.
“He then needed to be held back by another member of staff, as he tried to get closer to me.
“With this, I turned away and continued to make my way to the match officials changing room.
“Once in the changing room and when the other match officials arrived, I made them aware of the conduct of Mr Fletcher.”
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Video footage without audio from inside the Old Trafford tunnel showed Fletcher’s behaviour.
The Commission commented: “[Fletcher had become] agitated and started to remonstrate with the Fourth Official, gesturing with his hands, shouting, and attempting to get closer to the Fourth Official in a confrontational manner.
“He is then held back and pushed away by a Manchester United colleague.
“The video showed Fletcher acting in a manner that we consider to be aggressive.”
Fletcher admitted his misconduct charge from The FA but denied he was abusive – but the investigation “found this to be proven”.
The ex-midfielder apologised for his reaction and claimed it was triggered by United conceding right before half-time.
He also claimed his words were “criticism towards the process for managing medical treatment of the particular football player in this matter and in reference to an incident in a previous home game where at a similar stage of the game a red card was incorrectly issued to a Manchester United player”.
The Commission took into consideration Fletcher’s exemplary disciplinary record as a player and as a coach – however, further mitigation requests were ignored.
Man Utd ratings v Leicester
Here's how SunSport's Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6
Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.
CASEMIRO – 7
Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.
MANUEL UGARTE – 6
Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.
AMAD DIALLO – 7
Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?
They added the three-match touchline ban was “a fair and reasonable sanction given the confrontational behaviour displayed on the video evidence and the fact that there was an opportunity to leave the remonstration with the Fourth Official, but Mr Fletcher decided to carry on”.
Fletcher served the first game of his suspension during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester.
He will then be in the stands for Ruben Amorim’s opening two fixtures as the new United manager – against Ipswich on November 24 and then Everton on December 1.
Ironically, Fletcher was sat in the stands for his club’s next Premier League match following the comeback win over Brentford when United travelled to West Ham.
And his fury exploded into another expletive-laden rant when VAR awarded the Hammers a controversial last-gasp penalty – with De Ligt again at the centre of the drama.
Fletcher was sat among the United analysts at the London Stadium and reportedly fumed: “One week it’s a high threshold, next week it’s not, f***ing joke.”