Pundit can’t believe ‘diabolical’ Lisandro Martinez controversy as Man United footage emerges
Noel Whelan has insisted the decision to award Real Sociedad a penalty during their win over Man United on Thursday (8 September) was “diabolical”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he couldn’t see why the rules over handball appear to be different in European competition.
Real Sociedad were awarded a penalty when Lisandro Martinez inadvertently blocked David Silva’s strike with his arm – via a deflection off his leg.
The Argentina international was given a yellow card by Italian referee Marco Di Bello.
The incident was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee system but Di Bello was not told to take another look on the pitchside monitor.
The spot-kick was converted and ultimately proved the difference as Man United lost 1-0 in the first game of the Europa League schedule.
Whelan insisted the decision “cost” Erik ten Hag’s side a result at Old Trafford.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a diabolical decision.
“When you’re diving in like that, you’re not thinking about where your arm is.
“It’s come off his knee onto his arm. I thought the rules regarding that kind of handball are pretty clear in the Premier League – so why is it different in Europe?
“The referees are still getting it wrong every week – it doesn’t matter whether we’re in Europe or England.
“That decision cost Man United something out of the game.”
FC Sheriff beat Omonia in Thursday’s other Group E fixture.
The Red Devils sit fifth in the Premier League.
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Cristiano Ronaldo verdict after Man United footage emerges.