Exclusive: Andre Onana faces retrospective action over Man United vs Lyon incident
Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana could still be punished after a “lucky” escape during his side’s Europa League quarter final clash with Lyon, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old could face retrospective action for celebrating his side’s opening goal in front of the opposition fans.
The two sides faced off in the second leg of their Europa League quarter final clash at Old Trafford on Thursday night (17 April).
Onana had become embroiled in an argument with former Man United man Nemanja Matic, who now plays for Lyon, ahead of the first leg of the tie last week.
That had been something he lived to regret, with Onana at fault for the two goals Ruben Amorim’s side conceded in a 2-2 draw in that first leg.
After then dropped for the Premier League game against Newcastle at the weekend, the Cameroon international was restored to the starting XI for this second leg.
It was a move that gave the goalkeeper an early chance to fire a shot back at the Lyon supporters who had taken aim at him during the reverse fixture.
Andre Onana hits back at Lyon fans
With the Europa League the only trophy they are still competing for, Amorim‘s side were under pressure going into this second leg.
However, they were able to lift some of that scrutiny early on, Manuel Ugarte fired the Red Devils in front with just ten minutes on the clock.
As that goal went in, it was noted that Onana had reacted to that Man United goal by running over to celebrate in front of the Lyon fans.
Although the goalkeeper was not punished by the referee at that point, Hackett believes he was fortunate to avoid a booking, and could yet face retrospective action for his behaviour.
Man United sent warning over star’s celebration
After being asked by Football Insider if Onana should have been punished and could face retrospective action from UEFA over his celebration, the former referee said:
“The referee should have been aware of Onana’s actions and issued a sanction of a yellow card.
“It could be dealt with retrospectively if the UEFA match delegate advises the organisation on his post match report. Otherwise he was lucky to escape.”
Man United would later double their lead on the stroke of half time through Diogo Dalot, putting them on course to reach the semi finals of the Europa League.
But chaos returned in the second half as goals from Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico drew Lyon back level and sent the game into extra time.