Manchester United interim head coach Darren Fletcher was not afraid to speak his mind and criticise refereeing decisions made in the FA Cup clash with Brighton.
The Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.
It was likely Darren Fletcher’s final game as interim head coach, and he is set to end his stint without a win after drawing with Burnley in his first match.
Darren Fletcher just picked up his first booking for Manchester United since 2015
Good on him for showing a bit of fight!
When Benjamin Sesko scored to halve Brighton’s lead, United were growing in confidence and looking to complete another late comeback.
However, that potential comeback was brought to a sudden halt when referee Simon Hooper decided to send off 18-year-old Shea Lacey.
Darren Fletcher fumes at referee decisions in Man Utd vs Brighton
Fletcher picked up a yellow card after the full-time whistle at Old Trafford after he approached the match officials and complained.
In his post-match press conference with TNT Sports, Fletcher explained the two reasons he was frustrated with the referees.
What is your opinion on Shea Lacey being sent off vs Brighton?
Harsh refereeing or a silly mistake from the youngster?
“Well for one, the injury time was a minimum of five minutes and there was stuff in injury time which should have added more time.
“And ultimately, the first Shea Lacey foul is not a yellow card. I’ve no idea how the Brighton players didn’t get yellow cards first half.
“We end up with more yellow cards. Shea Lacey’s yellow card is ridiculous compared to the fouls we had on us all game. Ultimately then the lad makes a mistake and is sent off.
“For me, it’s poor refereeing. I’ll take the yellow card, I can handle that.”
Shea Lacey’s reaction to red card vs Brighton
Lacey was visibly shocked by Hooper’s decision to send him off, and he was pictured in tears as he left the Old Trafford pitch.
Fletcher gave more insight into his reaction in the dressing room.
“He’s disappointed because he cares and he understands, and he knows he’ll learn from it.
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“But there’s no doubt about his talent, and a steep learning curve today but we believe in Shea. He’s one of our most exciting young prospects and I’m sure he’ll have a chance to make amends at Old Trafford in the future.”
Lacey is now suspended for the upcoming Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon. It’s also still unclear who will lead the Red Devils out as head coach for that match.
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