French media deliver ‘contentious’ verdict as Leicester City knock out Rennes

Leicester City are into the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League as they knocked out French side Rennes in the last 16 stage on Thursday.

Goals from Marc Albrighton, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wesley Fofana gave City a 3-2 aggregate win. Brendan Rodgers’ side survived late pressure from the French club as they looked to take the tie into extra time.

Fofana’s goal was his first for the club and came on his comeback from a seven-month injury lay-off. The defender played 78 minutes after breaking his leg and suffering ankle ligament damage in the pre-season friendly vs Villarreal back in August.

He rose highest to head in Ademola Lookman’s second-half corner and score what would ultimately be the winning goal of the tie. City will discover their quarter-final in the draw which takes place later today (Friday).

Following the match, the French media have delivered their verdict. Rennes were showing their frustrations with the referee at full time, having claimed for two late penalties.

With no VAR used in the Europa Conference League the referee’s final decision stood, with the two calls described as ‘contentious’ by the French media. Here’s what two reports had to say.

“The Rennais did not take advantage of the dynamic to endanger the defence of Leicester. On the contrary, the young SRFC goalkeeper, Dogan Alemdar, had to work on a counter-attack (15') and on a point-blank header from Amartey (49').

“But only two minutes later, the Frenchman Wesley Fofana perfectly cut a corner with his head to equalise (1-1, 51 '). Enough to sting the people of Rennes. Tait gave hope with a flat foot (2-1, 76').

“Despite Rennes' onslaught, Leicester resisted to qualify for the quarter-finals. Several contentious actions in Schmeichel's