Copenhagen defender Elias Jelert, who was on the receiving end of the challenge which saw Marcus Rashford sent off during Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat on Wednesday, has given his verdict on the decision.
United were 2-0 up and flying in the first half before Rashford caught Jelert with a high challenge. The referee did not stop the game initially but, after a VAR check, ultimately showed the United winger a straight red.
Manager Erik ten Hag was livid after the game, insisting the “harsh” decision was one of many which went against his side during the match.
Jelert acknowledged that Rashford meant no harm with his challenge but insisted the red card was the right call.
“I felt that it was high, but no free kick was awarded to begin with, he told Bold.
“I don’t think he was after me. He tried to shield the ball but his foot ended up quite high. I could feel that it landed pretty hard.
“It was enough for a red card.”
How many games will Marcus Rashford miss after his red card?
UEFA’s rules on red cards are a little more flexible than the Premier League and suspensions are only finalised after a meeting of the competition’s disciplinary commission.
The standard rule is that any red card brings at least a one-match ban but, for serious offences, the commission can opt to extend that suspension if they deem it necessary.
What’s certain is that Rashford will miss United’s trip to face Galatasaray on November 29, while he could also miss the final game against Bayern Munich on December 12 if he his handed a longer suspension.
It’s an enormous blow for United, who sit bottom of Group A after four games. Ten Hag’s side are, however, just one point behind both Galatasaray and Copenhagen heading into the final two games.
All UEFA suspensions carry across competitions and so, if Rashford was handed a sufficient ban, he could also be suspended in the Europa League if United drop into the competition.
