There Is A Slim Hope For Fletcher

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes that Roberto Rosetti, the game's Italian referee, will admit his mistake in sending off Darren Fletcher so the midfielder will be able to play in Rome.

Fletch got his marching orders after what appeared to be a professional foul on Fabregas. Replays confirmed that he got the ball cleanly and even though there was contact after that, it's extremely harsh to call it a professional foul.

United cannot appeal the decision, unfortunately, so there's only one way left.

'Mr Rosetti is probably one of the best referees in Europe. He may look at it and come to his own view but there's nothing we can do about it,' Fergie confirmed, adding that he didn't talk to Rosetti after the game.

'Out of respect to the referee, I wouldn't do that. He may look at himself without anyone asking but I don't think we should ask him.'

'He's competent and fair enough to look at it himself, possibly. But apparently you can't appeal and, if that's the case, that's really disappointing.'

It is but I retain the slim hope that Rosetti will indeed admit his error and ask UEFA to overturn the red card. Even if they only downgrade it to a yellow, that would be absolutely fine. Fletch deserves to be in the final after two majestic displays against Arsenal - and we need him as well.

In the meantime, he surely must start against City on Sunday so that fans can show their affection for him. It's time to do that anyway because there's no player in the current squad who received more stick than him - not even Berba - but he's developed into a very, very fine footballer who's an important asset of the English and European champions.

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