Manchester United’s coach Darren Fletcher has been banned for three matches and fined £7,500 following an outburst at officials during last month’s match against Brentford. The incident occurred just before halftime when referee Samuel Barrott instructed Matthijs de Ligt to leave the field for treatment after suffering a head injury. During De Ligt’s absence, Brentford took the lead, sparking an angry reaction from the United bench.
Fletcher, visibly upset, protested the decision both on the touchline and in the tunnel during the break, continuing to argue with Barrott and the fourth official, Gavin Ward. His conduct was deemed improper and confrontational by the FA, who concluded that Fletcher had used insulting language towards the officials. While Fletcher admitted to misconduct, he denied using abusive language, but the FA ruled otherwise, imposing the ban and fine.
The incident unfolded as United were trailing 1-0 at halftime but responded in the second half, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund securing a 2-1 victory—United’s third Premier League win of the season.
Fletcher, a former player with 342 appearances for United, now faces a three-match suspension. The FA’s full written explanation for the sanctions will be published in the future.