Robbie Savage made it clear on Wednesday night that he agreed with the referee’s decision to send off Marcus Rashford against FC Copenhagen.
The TNT Sports co-commentator was on duty for Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Copenhagen.
United appeared to have total control on the game with a 2-0 lead prior to Rashford’s controversial dismissal. Then a defensive collapse resulted in United conceding twice in the space of five minutes. The red card was a turning point in the game and it caused plenty of debate as Copenhagen won 4-3.
However, Savage made his feelings clear on Rashford’s red card, despite former Manchester United duo Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves telling viewers they disagreed with the decision.
Savage’s comments on air led to a number of fans expressing their disbelief on X, formerly known as Twitter. Former Arsenal star Ian Wright was one of those, writing: “Scholesy and Owen Hargreaves spot on with their analysis. No common sense. How are the commentators saying definite red with such chest.”
The decision shows that intent is irrelevant in the modern game. Elias Jelert wasn’t injured, so the suggestion that ‘Rashford could have broken his leg’ is neither here nor there.
Since last night, Savage has doubled down on his views regarding Rashford’s sending off.
“I stand by what I said on commentary on Wednesday night that Marcus Rashford was right to be sent off against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League,” Savage told PlanetSports Bet, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “When the referee goes to look at the incident on the VAR screen, he will be asking himself did Rashford’s actions endanger the safety with him that the challenge did endanger the safety of the Copenhagen player.
“Do I think Rashford intended to do it? No. Do I think Rashford was unlucky? Yes. Do I think it was an accident? Yes.
“However, the words such as ‘intent’, ‘accident’ and ‘unlucky’ aren’t part of the law book. What is part of the law book, though, is whether Marcus Rashford’s actions endangered the safety of his opponent and I think it did. So, based on that it has to be a red card and the referee got the decision right.”
Meanwhile, United are waiting to find out if Rashford could face a two match ban for his red card against Copenhagen. James Ducker from The Telegraph claims United cannot appeal the red card under UEFA rules
Ten Hag faces anxious wait to discover if Rashford could face two match ban for red card. #MUFC cannot appeal the red under UEFA rules. UEFA disciplinary body will meet before Galatasaray game to determine whether it’s a one match ban or whether it should be a two game ban
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) November 9, 2023
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