Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag did not hold back in his assessment of referee, Maurizio Mariani’s display in their 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Thursday.
United fought from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead, only to let it slip away later on in a thrilling encounter.
Ten Hag was however not pleased with the referee’s officiating, and suggested the referee’s decision influenced the game negatively for his side.
According to him, the Italian official ought to have sent off Jules Kounde for his challenge on Marcus Rashford in the second half.
“The refereeing had a big influence in this game. It was a clear foul on Rashy.
You can discuss if it’s in or out of the box. [If it’s out then] it’s a red card because he was one on one with the ‘keeper.
“The referee can’t make this mistake. We should have won this game,” Ten Hag told reporters.
Marcos Alonso headed Barcelona in front in the 50th minute, before Rashford squeezed in an equalizer from an acute angle.
Kounde put the ball past Marc Ter Stegen in Barcelona’s goal , before Raphinha pulled Barca level.
Both sides will lock horns next week in the second leg at Old Trafford in what promises to be another thriller.