Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher says that he is being singled out by referees as a result of comments made by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger earlier in the season.

Empics / AdamDavyDarren Fletcher shows his frustration at a Chelsea decision.

Fletcher was widely believed to be the 'certain player' that Wenger claimed went unpunished when he accused United of 'anti-football' after their 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford in September and now the Scottish international thinks his reputation is going before him.

In the weekend defeat to Chelsea, Fletcher was adjudged to have fouled Ashley Cole before John Terry headed home from the resulting free-kick to hand the Blues a 1-0 win and go five points clear at the top of the table, but he was far from happy with the decision.

Fletcher told the Manchester Evening News: "It was clearly not a foul. I knew at the time and I have watched it again on the replay. I back-heeled the ball and Cole just jumps up in the air and the ref gives a foul.

"I think we are starting to see Mr Wenger's comments starting to influence referees which is a shame really. Now we have to raise our game and ensure these decisions are not affecting the game."