Why didn’t the referee expel Jules Kounde?

DBasia.news – Manchester United came from behind to take a 2-1 lead in the first leg of the Europa League play off at Camp Nou. When Marcus Rashford entered the penalty box and headed for the goal in the 63rd minute. It was as if the striker was cut by Kounde, but no foul was given and Erik Ten Hag felt the referee’s decision had a big impact on the result.

“We have a lot of character and determination in this team. The belief we had to score the first goal and the meaning of the first goal was detrimental and that’s what we didn’t do,” Ten Hag told BT Sport.

“We then turned around when we went behind, and I also think the referee had a big influence on the game. I think it was a clear foul on Rashy. You can discuss whether it was outside the box, but it was then a red card because he was one on one with the keeper, it’s a big influence, not only on this game, but this round too, and the referee can’t make a mistake like that.”

Rashford also shared his perspective, telling BT Sport: “It’s a big moment in the game and I haven’t watched it back yet, but at the moment I don’t understand why he thinks I’m going to go down [too easily]. obviously, it might not be a penalty but a 100% foul.”

Rashford was key for United throughout the match, scoring his side’s first goal just two minutes after they had trailed 1-0. He then sent a dangerous ball into the box which resulted in Kounde’s own goal. Less than 15 minutes after he was brought down, Barca fired in a shot to equalize.

Rashford’s goal against Barca took his tally to 22 for the season in all competitions, equaling his best run in a single season.

Before the return game at Old Trafford on February 23, United will face Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday (19/2).