This is Fabio

At least that’s what Manchester United is saying.

Sir Alex Ferguson played both twin Brazilian brothers, Rafael & Fabio Silva, in their Carling Cup match against Barnsley. En route to winning, Rafael fouled Jamal Campbell-Ryce and earned himself a yellow card; however Referee Chris Foy put brother Fabio in the book. Manchester United will have a hearing in front of the FA next Tuesday to plead Fabio’s case.

It’s a shame they can’t try the “case” in a US Court. If the referee can’t make a positive ID, then there is reasonable doubt. It’s not sufficient to know that one of the twins deserved a booking, if you can’t be sure which it was, you can’t book either. The FA likely doesn’t see it that way.

This is Rafael

One wonders, however, how the referee could get the wrong brother in the book when they wear different numbers.

There is just something mischievous about playing twin brothers in the same side though, and one might think Sir Alex enjoys testing the referees, like a boy playing a prank on his teacher.

United won the match 2-0, the second score being a fine goal by Michael Owen, while defender Gary Neville was given a straight red card. United move on to the quarter finals.

What do you think?

Are the twins some Sir Alex Ferguson prank on the FA referees?

Will Rafael or Fabio become a big deal at Manchester United?

Can Sir Alex tell them apart without looking at their jersey numbers? Comment below!