Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener.
The only goal came from a controversial penalty decision from the referee.
Real Sociedad were given a penalty decision in their favour after an alleged handball from second half substitute Lisandro Martinez.
The replays show the ball hit the Argentine’s leg before deflecting off his hand.
While the referee and VAR will argue that Martinez’s arms were in an ‘unnatural position’, it was very harsh to give a penalty to La Real.
United fans were angered by the decision. Check out their reactions below via Twitter:
Might be the worst penalty decision I've ever, ever seen.#MUFC #MUNRSO #UEL
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) September 8, 2022
We were poor and might not have won regardless, but this robbed us of at least a point. They were just as poor, and I doubt they score without the penalty. Horrific. #MUFC https://t.co/3uxs7vcnSV
— Kyle Diller (@kdiller6) September 8, 2022
Robbery
— aidansct7 (@BrunoSeason18) September 8, 2022
Didn’t even realise how bad that penalty decision was at the time. Jesus.
Dont think we were great today, maybe the changes didn’t help the tempo but shocking decision. What’s the point of VAR? #MUFC
— Adam McKola (@AdamMcKola) September 8, 2022
Never a penalty #MUFC
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) September 8, 2022
Turning away from the ball? Comes off his knee first? One of the worst penalty calls in recent years. #mufc
— JoshGI (@JoshGI97) September 8, 2022
How even is that a penalty? It’s literally not the rules. I don’t understand. Anyone? #mufc
— Serge Adam 🇾🇪🎗️ (@SergeMUFC) September 8, 2022
The rules are very clear. Just google them and the answer is there. That was not a penalty and the official must be reprimanded for his unacceptable decision. Strike this fella of the UEFA referees list. Wait, he never made the effort to look at the TV screen. Scandalous.