Brendan Rodgers has criticized the “amazing” VAR decision to not penalize an appalling Marcel Sabitzer challenge.
Marcus Rashford scored twice and Jadon Sancho added a third goal as Manchester United easily defeated Rodgers’ Leicester team on Sunday. Nonetheless, there was a very contentious moment when United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer tackled Wout Faes at knee height.
At the conclusion of the first half, the Austrian continued his attack on the defense for Leicester. After quickly reviewing the event, VAR decided to support the referee’s judgment to award a foul without issuing a booking.
Yet, the choice shocked commentators and followers on social media. And Rodgers, who was down 1-0, was unable to hold back his anger at what may have been a crucial turning moment in the game.
In his post-game news conference, the Northern Irishman stated: “That is a sending off. Straight leg onto the knee, please. When I see it, I find it astonishing how it was not seen and regarded that way.
When Eddie Nketiah was fouled by Ederson during Arsenal’s match against Manchester City, a penalty was awarded, but the goalkeeper was not given a second yellow card. Rodgers then linked the tackle to that event.
I don’t understand [why a red card wasn’t given], said the Leicester manager. “We’ve seen some of the judgments over the last several weeks. Someone said that it may have been related to an event, but I don’t accept it.
Eddie Nketiah comes in on goal and has a shot at goal in Arsenal’s penalty against Manchester City, but the follow-through turns it into a foul, which results in a penalty. Even though the play has ended in this case, he has continued and is sitting straight-legged on his knee.
It happens at a time when Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), a group that works to uphold and improve refereeing standards in English football, is under a lot of criticism. Lee Mason resigned last week in the wake of criticism for his terrible performance against Arsenal.
»Brendan Rodgers criticizes VAR for not punishing Marcel Sabitzer for his red card«