Manchester United assistant manager Darren Fletcher will miss Ruben Amorim’s first two Premier League games in charge.
The Red Devils coach has been dealt a three-match ban and a £7,500 fine by the Football Association after their 2-1 win over Brentford last month.
The Bees had gone ahead through Ethan Pinnock while defender Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch being treated for a bloody head injury.
The Dutchman had been forced off by referee Samuel Barrott due to the amount of blood still present on his gash, reducing United to ten men for a brief period.
And Brentford took full advantage of the extra man, as they scored with a free header from corner, leaving the Red Devils bench fuming, including now former boss Erik ten Hag.
But it was Fletcher that has been accused of acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.
An FA statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher.
“The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.
“Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive.
“However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
His ban starts this Sunday as Leicester visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy already led Man United to a 5-2 victory over the Foxes in the Carabao Cup at the end of October.
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But this time, he’ll have to try to beat the Foxes without Fletcher.
And once he passes the reins to new manager Amorim, the Portuguese boss will have to manage his opening league games with the same issue.
Fletcher will miss Amorim’s first two league games, the first against Ipswich Town on November 24 at Portman Road.
He will then be absent for Everton at home on December 1.
He will be available for the Europa League clash against FK Bodo/Glimt in between, though.
Amorim officially arrives at Old Trafford on Monday, November 11.
