Manchester United coach fined by FA but denies officials 'abuse' claim

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher has been fined £7,500 and given a three-match extended touchline ban for misconduct.

United were furious when conceding to Brentford in the first half of their 2-1 win at Old Trafford last month because Matthijs de Ligt was forced to leave the field for the goal.

De Ligt left the pitch for a third time to deal with a cut to the head when Brentford took the lead. Former manager Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy received yellow cards for their protests and Fletcher approached the match officials as they approached the tunnel for half-time.

Fletcher was investigated for his conduct and has now been fined by the FA, whose regulatory commission decided he was 'abusive', which was something he denied to the panel. ALSO READ: What the United dressing room makes of Amorim ALSO READ: United player ratings after PAOK victory The FA released a statement on Friday and said: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher for misconduct at Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday 19 October. "The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time. "Darren Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive.