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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Fletcher, Alves and Abidal to miss final
Source: Agencies |
May 13, 2009, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MANCHESTER United's Darren Fletcher and Barcelona pair Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves will miss the Champions League final after UEFA said on Monday there were no grounds for overturning their suspensions.
UEFA, announcing the decision of its Control and Disciplinary body, said in a statement that the two clubs had failed to get their appeals in on time, but even if they had made the deadline they would have been rejected.
"There were no grounds for contesting the referees' original decisions," the statement said.
The three players will serve one-match bans during the final in Rome on May 27, although UEFA added the clubs would have three days in which to lodge appeals against Monday's decision.
"The decision was no surprise really and although it is a shame the players will miss the final, you cannot have rules based on compassionate grounds. Where would you stop?" UEFA general secretary David Taylor said.
Midfielder Fletcher was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas late in United's semifinal second leg win last Tuesday when United was already 3-0 ahead. Although TV replays showed the Scot played the ball first, he also sent Fabregas sprawling with referee Roberto Rosetti awarding a penalty and showing Fletcher a red card.
Barcelona's French defender Abidal was sent off for what Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo saw as a trip on Nicolas Anelka in Wednesday's semifinal second leg against Chelsea, while Brazilian Alves was booked for a challenge on Ashley Cole.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said last week the club was appealing out of respect for the players.
Barring injuries during the next fortnight, United has plenty of options to cover Fletcher's absence with Scholes, Anderson, Michael Carrick and even veteran defender and club skipper Gary Neville able to play in a holding midfield role.
UEFA, announcing the decision of its Control and Disciplinary body, said in a statement that the two clubs had failed to get their appeals in on time, but even if they had made the deadline they would have been rejected.
"There were no grounds for contesting the referees' original decisions," the statement said.
The three players will serve one-match bans during the final in Rome on May 27, although UEFA added the clubs would have three days in which to lodge appeals against Monday's decision.
"The decision was no surprise really and although it is a shame the players will miss the final, you cannot have rules based on compassionate grounds. Where would you stop?" UEFA general secretary David Taylor said.
Midfielder Fletcher was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas late in United's semifinal second leg win last Tuesday when United was already 3-0 ahead. Although TV replays showed the Scot played the ball first, he also sent Fabregas sprawling with referee Roberto Rosetti awarding a penalty and showing Fletcher a red card.
Barcelona's French defender Abidal was sent off for what Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo saw as a trip on Nicolas Anelka in Wednesday's semifinal second leg against Chelsea, while Brazilian Alves was booked for a challenge on Ashley Cole.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said last week the club was appealing out of respect for the players.
Barring injuries during the next fortnight, United has plenty of options to cover Fletcher's absence with Scholes, Anderson, Michael Carrick and even veteran defender and club skipper Gary Neville able to play in a holding midfield role.
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