Fletcher backs Shea Lacey as he blasts referee over two key decisions in Man Utd loss

Darren Fletcher was angry with the referee's handling of Manchester United's defeat against Brighton and felt he got two decisions badly wrong.

The interim manager brought on youngster Shea Lacey into the fray in the second half and again showed moment of talent but the evening ended badly as he was sent off in the 2-1 loss.

After picking up a yellow card he was then given a second caution when he through the ball into the ground in frustration.

Overall it was a disappointing performance by United who looked disjointed after a lively start and they could not convert chances into goals.

After the game Fletcher also said he was unhappy that only five minutes were added on by the referee.

"Five minutes and there were also things going on in injury time which should have meant more time, and ultimately the first Shea Lacey foul is not a yellow card," said Fletcher.

"I've no idea how the Brighton players didn't get yellow cards in the first half, we probably ended up with more yellow cards.

"Shea Lacey's yellow card is ridiculous compared to the fouls against us all game and then ultimately it means that the lad makes a mistake and gets sent off so for me it is poor refereeing and I'll take the yellow card, I can handle that.

"He's disappointed because he cares and he understands and he knows he will learn from it but there is no doubt about his talent, it was a steep learning curve today but we believe in Shea he is one of our most exciting young prospects and I'm sure at Old Trafford he'll have a chance to make amends for that in the future."

After the game Lacey also apologised for his dismissal on social media.

In an Instagram post he wrote: "I want to apologise to all of my teammates staff and the fans. 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."