Copenhagen defender Elias Jelert believes Man United star Marcus Rashford was ‘unfortunate’ to be sent off in their thrilling Champions League clash.
United looked to be in control of Wednesday’s group stage encounter after a brace from Rasmus Hojlund but a straight red card shown to the England international in the 42nd minute turned the game on its head.
Rashford appeared to be attempting to shield the ball on the edge of his own box but referee Domatas Rumsas was called to the pitch side monitor to review the challenge.
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Man United vs Copenhagen red card controversy
Freezeframe images showed him catching the Copenhagen star’s ankle,
Resulting in the sending off that infuriated United and manager Erik ten Hag.
Copenhagen levelled the tie before half-time, going onto win 4-3 with United’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament now hanging by a thread.
Jelert, the player caught by Rashford, appeared in the mixed zone after the match wearing bandages on his ankle.
He told reporters: ‘It is after the tackle at the red card, which I also think is unfortunate. He just tries to screen, but I get hit high and wiggle my ankle violently. Now that it has cooled, I can feel it is stiff and swollen.’
Jelert also revealed Rashford quickly apologised to him for accidentally catching him.
‘Yes, when they checked on VAR, he was there to say sorry. So there was nothing malicious about it.’
Ten Hag insisted post-match the red card decision ‘changed everything for his side’.
He said post-match: ‘The red card was harsh. [Rashford] went for the ball, but the referee had such a long time to make it a red card.
‘When you freeze it, it always looks worse. They took so long to make a red card of it.
‘I’m very disappointed with the decisions, the game was never meant to be like this. Decisions have to be made, wrong decisions can be made, but three such tough decisions [went against us].’
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