‘I did not understand’ – Marcus Rashford fumes at referee after Man Utd’s draw with Barcelona
MARCUS RASHFORD fumed at the referee after Manchester United’s thrilling 2-2 draw at Barcelona.
That’s after being denied a free-kick from a clear foul by Jules Kounde.
The Red Devils played out a Europa League epic at the Nou Camp on Thursday as both sides netted twice.
Rashford, who lined up as a No9 after a tactical tweak, scored one goal and created the other in another top performance.
His strike came just moments after Barcelona took an early second-half lead through Marcos Alonso.
And after Kounde later turned in Rashford’s ball for an own-goal to put United ahead, Barca found a timely leveller when Raphinha’s cross went in untouched.
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But Rashford believes things could have turned out differently had a decision by referee Maurizio Mariani gone in his favour.
With United 2-1 up, the England star appeared to be bundled over by defender Kounde while charging towards Barcelona’s goal.
Mariani was close by the incident and able to take a good look.
But he decided against awarding Rashford the foul, which occurred on the edge of Barcelona’s box.
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It sparked an angry reaction from boss Erik ten Hag, who received a yellow card for his troubles.
And speaking later on, Rashford revealed he was lost for words after Mariani’s decision.
That’s while also admitting United’s dramatic draw felt more like a defeat on the night.
Rashford said: “It feels like a loss. I think we did well to get back into the game but we stayed calm and composed, and created chances when we could.
It is clear contact. It is 100 per cent a foul, even if it was outside the box
Marcus Rashford
“We felt in control of the outcome after scoring two goals in quick succession but we just couldn’t hold on.
“We were searching for chances more after half-time and I felt like we were going for it a bit more, especially after going behind.
“[My goal?] It’s difficult to find an angle to finish from there so I just tried to get as clean a contact as I could and thankfully it went in.
“[Kounde’s foul?] It is a massive moment in the game and in the moment I did not understand why the assistant or referee thinks I’m going down there.
“I touched it past him and I am going through and he clips my leg. It is clear contact. It is 100 per cent a foul, even if it was outside the box.”