Jules Kounde, a Barcelona defender, said last week that his controversial challenge on Marcus Rashford was a ’50/50′ call..
United were leading 2-1 at Camp Nou when Rashford appeared to have a golden opportunity to extend that lead just after the hour mark last Thursday night, but he was brought down by a French defender’s intervention.
Referee Maurizio Mariani ruled that the challenge was not a foul, and Erik ten Hag was furious on the sidelines.
Although replays later revealed that the foul occurred outside the penalty area, the general consensus was that a free kick should have been awarded, which would have resulted in a potential red card for Kounde for denying a goal-scoring opportunity..
When asked about the incident during a press conference at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening ahead of United’s second-leg match against Barcelona, Kounde said: “I believe it was a 50/50 split. There was some contact, but I believe it was very light.
The referee decided that it was not a red card, so I don’t consider myself lucky; rather, I believe it was a decision made by the referee. True, I could have been sent away, but it was a coin flip, and obviously, I’m very happy [to be available].
Following the incident, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford told BT Sport: “It’s a pivotal moment in the game.
To be honest, I haven’t watched it back, but I’m not sure why the linesman or referee thinks I’m going down there.
“I touched it, passed him, my foot is in front of the ball, and he hits my leg. It’s unmistakable contact.
“It’s not a penalty, but it’s definitely a foul for me, but as I said, I haven’t watched it back.”
If United defeats Barcelona, they will learn who their Round of 16 opponents will be on February 24.
The first leg of the RO16 will take place on March 9, with the return match taking place on March 16.
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