MANCHESTER UNITED supporters were raging last night after VAR failed to check a foul that could have led to a sending-off against FC Copenhagen.
The Red Devils suffered a crushing 4-3 defeat to the Danes in Champions League Group A after Marcus Rashford was shown a first-half red card for a studs-up challenge.
Fans were fuming after Rasmus Hojlund was decked by Denis VavroCredit: TNT Sports
The United forward was smashed by the defender’s forearm but VAR failed to interveneCredit: TNT Sports
United threw away the lead TWICE in a match that had seven goals, two penalties, the “game-changing” sending off and lengthy delays due to a pitch invading protester and a medical emergency in the crowd.
However, in a week dominated by VAR issues from Arsenal’s defeat at Newcastle and Tottenham’s loss at home to Chelsea, that was the main talking point again.
It firstly intervened when United were 2-0 ahead on 42 minutes to deem Rashford had planted his foot on the ankle of Elias Jelert – a decision Erik ten Hag says “changed the game”.
On-field ref Donatas Rumsas was also called to the pitchside monitor a further two times to award penalties – with Harry Maguire harshly adjudged to have handballed while the Red Devils benefitted from a similar call in the second period.
Eagle-eyed viewers had earlier claimed that Copenhagen’s first goal, which was seconds after Rashford’s red, should have been disallowed.
However, another incident involving two-goal Rasmus Hojlund that went unpunished got them even more irate.
Copenhagen defender Denis Vavro was booked for a foul on the United forward in first half stoppage time.
But supporters believe he should have received his marching orders during the second period after a clash with the Dane.
As the pair tussled following a ball played forward by the Red Devils, Hojlund managed to flick it on despite the centre-back having both arms around his chest, only to then receive a forearm in the side of the face.
Fortunately for the hosts, VAR did not intervene – but furious United fans were outraged that it was not checked and deemed a straight red.
One supporter shared a clip of the incident and wrote: “Have people not gotten reds for less? How was this not checked?!”
And it soon got other supporters talking as one response read: “Casemiro would have received the death penalty…”
“That player was already on a yellow so if he’s trying to play the ball with his arm that’s a yellow NEVERMIND elbowing Hojlund in the head,” said a fellow fuming fan.
Another fan declared: “This should have been a red. VAR didn’t even look at it.”
But not everybody was convinced, especially supporters from other clubs.
One reply said: “Lol surely you’re joking.”
While another asked: “Explain to me where the red at? I wanna see it too.”
Soucre: thesun