Ferguson not optimistic on Fletcher appeal

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he does not expect the club's appeal against Darren Fletcher's Champions League Final suspension to succeed.
The Scotland international midfielder is poised to miss the Rome Final against Barcelona after collecting a red card in the midweek semifinal victory over Arsenal.
Although UEFA have indicated that there are no grounds for United to appeal the decision, and automatic suspension, United have pushed ahead with their attempt to have the decision overturned, although the manager holds out little hope of success.
"That (appeal rule) seems to be a weakness with UEFA," said Ferguson. "But we have written a compassionate letter to UEFA.
"We understand the system and honestly believe the referee made the right decision at the time. From his angle and from where I was, I thought it was a penalty myself.
"But from the replays it is obvious Darren managed to get his leg round and flick the ball away from Fabregas.”
Ferguson had predicted a Chelsea victory prior to their semifinal, although he was ultimately far from surprised at the way events transpired at Stamford Bridge.
"Obviously, until three minutes into injury-time when Barcelona scored a goal, it looked as if Chelsea were there," he said. "But that's football, isn't it?"