Manchester United coach handed 3-match ban for confronting officials

Manchester United first-team coach Darren Fletcher has been given a three-match extended touchline ban for confronting the match officials during last month’s 2-1 win at home against Brentford.

On top of that, the former United midfielder was fined £7,500 for his protests when Brentford scored the opener just before half-time.

Fletcher took issue with Matthijs de Ligt being asked to leave the pitch on multiple occasions by referee Sam Barrott. It made matters worse when the Netherlands centre-back was stood on the touchline for having dried blood on his shirt as Ethan Pinnock scored.

De Ligt had received stitches after taking a blow to the head. The gash opened, leaving blood dripping from his face when Barrott initially asked him to leave the pitch.

However, for the goal, there was no fresh blood. It was dried in.

Darren Fletcher denies being abusive to officials

Then manager Erik ten Hag and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were given yellow cards for their protests, but Fletcher pursued the officials down the tunnel at half-time.

“The coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees,” the FA said in a statement.

According to ESPN, Fletcher admitted to the charge of misconduct but denied that he had been abusive to officials.

Fletcher misses the next three league games as a result. Those matches will see United take on Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Everton.

The game against Ipswich will be Ruben Amorim’s first in charge as head coach. He begins work at Carrington on Monday, even though most of his players will be away on international duty.

Fletcher is one of the coaches expected to remain at the club under Amorim. He might have to learn how to cool himself on the touchline to avoid any further bans.