Shay Lacey has apologized to his Manchester United colleagues, coaching staff and the club’s fans following his sacking in Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old received two yellow cards in quick succession during his suspension in the cup.
United interim manager Darren Fletcher was furious at the decision to give the talented winger his marching orders. The former Scotland midfielder criticized referee Anthony Taylor, who officiated throughout the match, and felt a similar challenge by the visiting team would go unpunished. As a result of his departure, United will now play a 40-game season for the first time since the 1914-15 season.
The Red Devils were eliminated from the FA Cup at the hands of their Premier League rivals after spending the majority of the game at the back. Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck put the Seagulls ahead and striker Benjamin Sesco had just pulled the ball back.
Lacey quickly received two yellow cards, the first of which came in the 85th minute for a challenge on Yassin Ayari. Minutes later, after fouling Ferdi Kadioglu, the forward took out his frustration at the assistant referee who threw the ball into the ground, earning him a second yellow card.
United’s talented forward was later seen on TV kicking a wall in the Old Trafford tunnel, burying his face in his shirt and looking visibly annoyed. Shortly after the results, Lacey posted an apology on social media platforms.
“I want to apologize to all of my teammates, staff and fans (sad pensive face emoji). I let everyone down tonight. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. I’ll do everything in my power to make this right (prayer emoji),” he said.
Lacey’s red card means he is suspended and will miss next Saturday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
After the defeat, Fletcher told the referee: “Shay Lacey’s yellow card was ridiculous compared to the fouls we gave us throughout the game, and in the end it was a player who made a mistake and got sent off.
“To me, this was bad officiating. I’m disappointed in him because I knew he cared and understood and would learn from it.
“His talent is in no doubt. There was a steep learning curve today but we believe in Shay. He is one of our most excited young players and we are confident he will have the chance to make up for it at Old Trafford in the future.”
