Manchester United benefited from a controversial penalty decision during the Europa League tie with Athletic Club.
Athletic Club supporters were left fuming with a penalty awarded against their team to Manchester United in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
With United already 1-0 up, Rasmus Hojlund was felled in the penalty box.
After a VAR intervention, a penalty was awarded and a red card given to centre-back Daniel Vivian.
Bruno Fernandes scored the resulting penalty and then added another, giving Manchester United a 3-0 lead to take back to Old Trafford.
Manchester United penalty decision backed
Referee Espan Eskas was not intimidated by a passionate home crowd and made a bold decision against the hosts.
The call helped Manchester United, who were already on top, and it was the right call.
Spanish television’s refereeing expert Iturralde Gonzalez was quizzed on behalf of SER and AS, and provided his feedback.
Gonzalez explained: “It’s a matter of judgment. The referee must decide if it’s a foul. And the key is that the referee believes the shot was coming.
“Therefore, it’s a penalty and a sending-off because he deemed it to be an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.”
Differing view on United penalty call
The decision was not totally backed, however, even if it followed the letter of the law.
AS’ editorial covering the game felt the call was harsh and it robbed Athletic Club of their best centre-back.
Thew newspaper wrote: “Ruled a possible penalty for lightly touching Hojlund on the shoulder during a shot attempt.
“An unfair penalty in the 34th minute and a red card. Unbelievable. He had been the best up to that point.”
United were outstanding and fully deserved the 3-0 victory, and could have reached this tally without the penalty and red card.
Athletic Club had chances early on, but once Casemiro gave United a 1-0 lead, following remarkable wing play from Harry Maguire, the Red Devils never looked back.
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