Athletic Club vs Arsenal referee once angered Man Utd with three big decisions

Athletic Club vs Arsenal referee once angered Man Utd with three big decisions


Donatas Rumsas, the man set to officiate Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Athletic Club, has previously been at the centre of controversy involving Manchester United.

The Lithuanian referee oversaw United’s Champions League meeting with FC Copenhagen in November 2023, a night that ended in frustration for Erik ten Hag’s side. United were 2-0 up and seemingly in control until Marcus Rashford was dismissed following a VAR review of his challenge on Elias Jelert.

Rumsas faced further criticism later in the game after awarding two penalties – one for each side – both for handball incidents, again following VAR interventions. United went on to lose 4-3 at Parken Stadium, a result that contributed to them finishing bottom of their group.

Speaking afterwards, Ten Hag voiced his anger:
"I’m very disappointed about these decisions. This is not football. We played well until the red card, but that moment changed everything. It was harsh – Rashford was going for the ball. Even the referee didn’t seem certain."

Pundits also weighed in. Owen Hargreaves branded the handball calls "soft", while Paul Scholes said Rashford’s dismissal was not a red in real time. Robbie Savage, however, disagreed, insisting the challenge merited a sending-off.

Rumsas has shown 22 yellow cards and three reds in just seven Champions League games to date. Arsenal, who reached last season’s semi-finals before falling to eventual winners PSG, will hope he avoids controversy this time around when they take on Athletic Club at San Mames on Tuesday (5.45pm UK time).

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