Shea Lacey has apologised to his Manchester United teammates, staff and supporters after being sent off during Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford. The 18-year-old was shown two yellow cards in quick succession late in the tie, with United trailing for most of the match before Benjamin Sesko pulled a goal back in the 85th minute.
Lacey's first booking came for a foul on Ferdi Kadioglu, and his second for throwing the ball away in frustration after the free-kick was awarded. The teenager left the pitch with his face hidden in his shirt and was later captured on television kicking a wall in the Old Trafford tunnel.
In a social media post after the match, Lacey 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." The post drew a supportive response from Jack Fletcher, son of interim coach Darren Fletcher and fellow academy graduate.
The red card means Lacey will be suspended for next weekend's Manchester derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford. Darren Fletcher, however, criticised the officiating, telling TNT Sports: "Shea Lacey's yellow card is ridiculous compared to the fouls that we had against us all game, which ultimately then the lad makes a mistake and is sent off. For me it is poor refereeing."
Fletcher added: "He's disappointed because he cares and he understands and he knows he will learn from it. There is no doubt about his talent. It was a steep learning curve today but we believe in Shea. He's one of our most exciting young prospects and I'm sure at Old Trafford he will have a chance to make amends for that in the future."
