Man United, Barcelona both slam ref after Europa League draw

Erik ten Hag hinted that the «pressure» got to referee Maurizio Mariani after he failed to spot what the Manchester United manager believed was a clear red card offence committed by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde during the 2-2 draw at Camp Nou.

United were leading 2-1 in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie when Marcus Rashford went down under a challenge from Kounde as he looked to run through on goal.

Mariani waved play on before booking Ten Hag for his protests and afterwards the Dutchman slammed the Italian official's decision.

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«If I make a point that has a big influence on this game and at this ground, at 2-1, it was a clear foul on Marcus Rashford,» said Ten Hag.

«We can discuss if it's inside the box or outside the box, but definitely, it's a red card.

»I asked the referee why. So he said it was outside the box and it was no foul. And the linesman and referee were in a very good position to see and I think we had VAR. I think it's not good, it was a really bad decision. I can't understand.

«Maybe they were pressed by the pressure Barca made. It's a big influence, not only on this game but in this round, and referees can't make such mistakes.»

Despite scoring his 22nd goal of the season and setting setting up the second through a Kounde own goal to put United in front, Rashford was also left furious at the decision not to flag for a foul after the collision with Kounde.

«I haven't watched it back, but I don't understand why the linesman or the referee thinks I am going down there?» Rashford told BT Sport.

«I have touched it past him, my foot is in front of the ball and he hits my leg. It's clear contact and was 100% a foul.»

Barca coach Xavi