Exclusive: Robbie Savage explains his stance on Marcus Rashford red card following online backlash
Marcus Rashford
Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage was trending on X (Twitter) last night following his commentary on Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen.
Erik ten Hag’s side fell to a 4-3 loss away in Denmark – a result which leaves the Red Devils bottom of their Champions League group with just two games remaining.
Rasmus Hojlund gave United a 2-0 lead inside the opening half-hour as the Premier League outfit seemed on course for victory.
The turning point came in the 42nd minute as Marcus Rashford was sent-off in what proved a controversial decision.
The England international attempted to shield the ball in his own half, but instead made contact with Copenhagen left-back Elias Jelert.
Following intervention from VAR, referee Donatas Rumsas sent off the Man United forward – a decision Savage agreed with.
“Did Marcus Rashford deserve a red last night? I sat in commentary, I thought it was and I stand by that,” Savage told Planet Sport Bet.
“The reason being, when the referee goes over to the screen and looks at the challenge, VAR have obviously told him to go and see it.
“He’s looked at it and the thought process would’ve been ‘did the actions of Marcus Rashford endanger the safety of his opponent, therefore be in violent conduct?
“On the evidence, I think the referee came to the right decision because I think that challenge did endanger the safety of his opponent.
“Do I think Marcus Rashford intended to do it? No, I don’t.
“Do I think Marcus Rashford was unlucky? Yes, I do.
“Do I think it was an accident? Yes, I do.
“But unfortunately, the words ‘intent, unlucky and accident’ aren’t part of the law book.
“What is part of the law book is did the actions of Marcus Rashford endanger the safety of his opponent. And I think it did. Therefore, it’s a straight red.”
Copenhagen made full use of the man advantage as they bagged four goals to improve their chances of progression.
United, on the other hand, are on the periphery of early elimination. Ten Hag’s men have two games remaining to salvage their hopes of knockout stage football.
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