Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has said that the dismissal of Darren Fletcher by referee Roberto Rosetti in last night's Champions League semi-final victory against Arsenal, was "a tragedy" and that the Italian should be "struck off".
In TV replays, Fletcher could clearly be seen connecting with the ball in a challenge with Cesc Fabregas, but the referee not only adjudged the challenge to have been a foul, but also red-carded the United midfielder, effectively preventing him from appearing in the final agaisnt either Chelsea or Barcelona on 27 May.
UEFA have stated that no appeal will be allowed, and, unless Rosetti admits that he was wrong, Fletcher will miss the biggest day of his life because of the referee's error.
This morning, Sir Alex told reporters:
"It's a flippen* tragedy. The lad's diverted the flippen* ball out of the path of Fabregas. The ref oughta take another look at the video, and if he doesna change his mind, he oughta be struck off the flippen* referee's list!"
* Sir Alex didn't use the word 'flippen'. It has been used here only for dramatic effect.
