In a conflict of European heavyweights, on a stage that noticed each groups overwhelmed, FC Barcelona and Manchester United performed out an exhilarating 2-2 draw on the Nou Camp within the first leg of their Round of 32 tie within the Europa League.
Despite loads of motion on the sector, controversial refereeing selections and VAR calls emerged as the large speaking factors. When United had been 2–1 up, Jules Kunde introduced down Marcus Rashford in what Red Devils supervisor Erik ten Haag believed was a ‘clear foul’ close to the sting of the field. United referred to as for a penalty, however each the referee and VAR disagreed.
Ten Haag was livid, nevertheless, that it was not given as a crimson card and advised that it was the stress of the ambiance on the Nou Camp that influenced the referee. “It was 2-1, a transparent foul on Marcus Rashford and a penalty. If it is within the field or simply outdoors the field, it is undoubtedly a crimson card,” he was quoted by The Guardian.
“I asked the referee: why? He said it was outside the box and it was not a foul. The referee and linesman were in good position and if not then VAR. Not good. It’s really a bad decision.”
“Maybe they were influenced by the pressure created by Barcelona but they cannot be at the highest level,” mentioned the Dutchman.
Barcelona supervisor Xavi Hernandez was equally livid at a doable penalty awarded to the hosts after the ball hit United midfielder Fred within the field. “It is a punishment the dimensions of a cathedral; how are you going to really feel They mentioned. “I do not know what they must do to get fined for handball. He additionally noticed it and mentioned no. It appears unbelievable, unbelievable to me.
Barcelona will now journey to Old Trafford subsequent week for a high-stakes second leg with even ties, and final yr’s abolition of the ‘away-goals rule’ may scale back any benefit United have Is.
Ten Haag would really like his group to be extra ruthless in entrance of purpose if targets are to be scored. “In a game when you create five or seven chances, you have to finish more,” he mentioned after the sport. “We need to be more clinical, finish our chances. In this kind of game we created a lot of chances and it’s frustrating that we didn’t finish them.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
