Shea Lacey has issued an apology to his Manchester United colleagues, coaching staff, and the club's fanbase following his dismissal during Sunday's FA Cup loss to Brighton at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old picked up two yellow cards in quick succession during the cup exit.
Interim United manager Darren Fletcher was left incensed by the decision to give the talented winger his marching orders. The former Scotland midfielder took aim at referee Anthony Taylor for his officiating throughout the game and felt that similar challengers made by the visitors went unpunished. As a result of their exit, United will now play 40 matches in a season for the first time since 1914-15.
The Red Devils crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of their Premier League rivals after spending most of the match behind. Striker Benjamin Sesko had just clawed back a goal after Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck fired the Seagulls ahead.
Lacey received two yellow cards within moments of each other, the first of which coming in the 85th-minute for a challenge on Yasin Ayari. Minutes later, after fouling Ferdi Kadioglu, the forward vented his frustration towards the assistant referee as he threw the ball into the ground, prompting a second yellow card.
The talented United forward looked visibly frustrated as he buried his face in his shirt, with television footage later capturing him kicking a wall in the Old Trafford tunnel. Shortly after the result, Lacey posted an apology on his social media platforms.
"I want to apologise to all of my team-mates staff and the fans [sad pensive face emoji]. I let everybody down tonight I shouldn't let my emotions get the better of me I will do everything I can to make this right [praying emoji]," he said.
Lacey's red card means he'll be serving a suspension that will see him miss the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Speaking after the defeat, Fletcher took aim at the referee and said: "Shea Lacey's yellow card is ridiculous compared to the fouls that we had against us all game, which ultimately then the lad makes a mistake and is sent off.
"For me it is poor refereeing. He's disappointed because he cares and he understands and he knows he will learn from it.
"There is no doubt about his talent. It was a steep learning curve today but we believe in Shea. He's one of our most exciting young prospects and I'm sure at Old Trafford he will have a chance to make amends for that in the future."