Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer labels Nemanja Matic red card ‘an absolute joke’
Matic, who scored the winner in the first half, was shown a yellow card for a foul on Riyad Mahrez before being given another 14 minutes from time for a foul on Ilkay Gundogan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has branded the decision to send off midfielder Nemanja Matic in Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City an “absolute joke”.
Matic, who scored the winner in the first half, was shown a yellow card for a foul on Riyad Mahrez before being given another 14 minutes from time for a foul on Ilkay Gundogan.
And Manchester United manager Solskjaer wasn’t happy with the decision.
“It’s hard to score with 11 here, never mind 10. Never a sending off. For me, an absolute joke,” he said afterwards.
“It’s ironic really that he gets a yellow with his first foul, almost gets a yellow with his second foul, which isn’t even a foul. The last one is a yellow, but a red overall? Nowhere near.”
Despite winning the second leg United crashed out after a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
Solskjaer said his team did everything they could to overturn the 3-1 first-leg deficit.
“They have given us absolutely everything these boys, I’m so incredibly proud,” he added.
He was less impressed by the behaviour of some fans during the game and called for it to be stamped out.
“Football is a game we should all enjoy, spectators and the ones playing,” he said.
“We want rivalry but keep it at the same level. Let’s make sure we eradicate this now.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments