Shea Lacey was sent off in Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Brighton with a new verdict given on his controversial second yellow card
Manchester United have been sent a new Shea Lacey red card verdict
Manchester United have been sent a new Shea Lacey red card verdict(Image: (Martin Rickett/PA Wire))
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Manchester United have been informed by a former Premier League official that he would have preferred to see Shea Lacey not shown a red card during the FA Cup clash with Brighton. The 18-year-old was brought on just past the hour mark at Old Trafford, but his appearance was cut short after receiving a second yellow card.
His initial booking came from Simon Hooper after a mistimed tackle on Yasin Ayari, with his second arriving shortly afterwards due to his response to committing another foul. After being penalised, he slammed the ball into the turf, prompting Hooper to brandish the red card.
Multiple opinions have emerged regarding the contentious moment, which left Lacey visibly emotional, whilst interim boss Darren Fletcher was incensed by the decision. Mark Clattenburg, who officiated in the Premier League for 17 years, has now weighed in on the major flashpoint.
Speaking via United in Focus, he said: "Shea Lacey was sent off against Brighton, not for the tackle, but for his reaction at throwing the ball to the ground in disagreement at Simon Hooper's decision. To the letter of the law, it's the correct decision.
"But it shows how the game has changed. I would prefer the referee to warn the player to calm down and manage the situation."
Lacey will now be suspended for one match, meaning he'll miss United's appearance in the Manchester derby this weekend. Following their FA Cup exit at the first hurdle, United now face only Premier League fixtures after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town.
In the wake of United's most recent disappointment, Fletcher commented: "True character reveals itself in difficult times. You know in difficult times true character is going to show so they have to dig and make sure they want to be part of Manchester United's future.
"And ultimately, if you're not, then I don't think you should be here or will be here. It sounds strong, but that's just the reality and the way it should be."
Addressing the challenges confronting United, Fletcher continued: "That is where we're at, we can't hide behind that.
"We've got to face that and we've got to deal with that and it's not Manchester United level or what's expected of Manchester United.
Darren Fletcher looks on
Darren Fletcher was brutally honest in his Manchester United verdict after defeat in the FA Cup to Brighton(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
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"The players have to group together, take responsibility. Find a way of improving quickly and taking on the challenge for the rest of the season. Don't waste the season."
Fletcher subsequently disclosed he hasn't been informed whether he'll remain in charge for the league encounter against Manchester City, though this appears doubtful given the latest managerial developments.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick were the remaining contenders who could assume temporary control, but it is the latter who appears to have won the race.
As reported by the Guardian, Solskjaer had a meeting with director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada over the weekend, but it is Carrick who will be installed as the club's new interim boss after some of United's senior players rejected the prospect of former boss Solskjaer returning to the Old Trafford dugout.