Fletcher offered hope on red card

Manchester United could appeal against Darren Fletcher's suspension from the Champions League final, according to Uefa general secretary David Taylor.

Fletcher was harshly sent off in the semi-final, but Taylor told United manager Sir Alex Ferguson they could challenge the decision.

"The likelihood is we'd refer it to our disciplinary body.

"They'd see if there were circumstances to justify a departure from procedure," Taylor told BBC World Service.

Fletcher, who was an unused substitute in last season's Champions League final win over Chelsea, was dismissed towards the end of the semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal for a challenge on Cesc Fabregas that resulted in a penalty.

However, replays made it clear that the United player had in fact made contact with the ball.

Ferguson said the decision was "a tragedy", while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted the call was "very harsh", but initially Uefa said there was no right of appeal unless the referee made an error in identifying the player.

Taylor has offered United a sliver of hope that Fletcher, 25, could turn out against Barcelona on 27 May, although he admitted the likelihood was that the decision would stand.

"I must stress there is normally no way these matters can be overturned," he warned.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8037362.stm