Manchester United coach and former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher has been slapped with a misconduct charge by the the FA after a rant at match officials during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford.
Referee Samuel Barrott, who had never previously refereed a United game, found himself in the eye of the storm right at the end of the first half after instructing Matthijs de Ligt to exit the pitch due to an earlier head injury. The Dutchman’s face was visibly bloodied and Barrott ordered him off the pitch for a second round of medical attention. The injury occurred when De Ligt’s head collided with Brentford striker Kevin Schade’s knee earlier in the first half.
As De Ligt was ushered off the field, United were left to defend a corner, which Ethan Pinnock capitalised on to put Brentford in the lead. De Ligt was livid as the ball sailed past Andre Onana, as were members of the United coaching staff. Manager Erik ten Hag and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy both received cautions for their protests, while Fletcher vented his fury at fourth official Gavin Ward in the tunnel at half-time which was reportedly caught on CCTV. He had earlier stormed down from his seat at the back of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand before the goal was scored.
The Football Association has charged Fletcher with misconduct stemming from an incident during Manchester United’s game against Brentford on 20 October. Although not sent off during the match, the FA requires a response by Tuesday.
An official statement read: “Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, 20 October, in the Premier League. It is alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees. Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, 29 October, to respond.”