Fletcher backs Terry reprieve

United ace feels rival was right to challenge contentious dismissal

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 18th September 2008

Darren Fletcher Manchester United Newcastle United Premier League Football

Fletcher: Ready for Blues test

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Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes the Football Association were right to rescind Chelsea skipper John Terry's recent red card.

The England international was dismissed during the Blues' 3-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday, but later appealed the contentious decision.

An FA investigation cleared Terry of any wrongdoing, sparing him from a three-game ban.

The inspirational centre-half will now be free to line up in Sunday's crunch encounter with United at Stamford Bridge, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.

Focused

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted the ruling, claiming the outcome would have been different had one of his players been involved, but Fletcher disagrees with his manager and feels Terry's reprieve was justified.

"I'm not surprised that he's going to be playing - I don't think that it was a red card," he said.

"He's England captain and he's back in, but that's out of our control.

"We are not really concerned about whether John Terry's playing, we will worry about ourselves and what we have got to do at Chelsea."

United's stuttering start to the new campaign means they can ill-afford to slip-up at Stamford Bridge this weekend, with Fletcher insisting the Red Devils are ready to rediscover their form in the capital.

Ability

"After losing against Liverpool (on Saturday) we can't afford to lose too much ground in the Premier League," he added.

"Chelsea have a great record at home and it's something we are looking to end and get ourselves back up the league.

"The first couple of games we had injuries and suspensions but now we have everyone back now and we are looking to kick on.

"We have a team that likes to rise to the big occasion and there's none bigger than away to Chelsea, who have not lost at home for something like four years.

"I think we have the players and we definitely have the ability to go there and win the match."