Paul Pogba’s red card during Manchester United’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal took many by surprise, but replays showed referee Andre Marriner was absolutely correct in giving the midfielder his marching orders.
The sending off came as the Red Devils already had a two-goal advantage and Jose Mourinho’s men were able to hold on for an impressive win at the Emirates.
Mourinho was understandably shocked at Marriner’s decision to send Pogba off in the 74th minute but he can have no complaints when watching back the clip of the Frenchman’s dangerous challenge on Hector Bellerin.
It appears Marriner’s assistant referee, Simon Beck, was as surprised as Mourinho and his brilliant reaction to the red card was captured as he stood alongside the Portuguese boss.
Ashley Young can be seen warning Mourinho about Pogba’s imminent red card after the wing-back sprinted 60 yards across the Emirates turf to inform his manager.
Asked about the incident, Mourinho said: ‘I did not see it.
‘I was not even looking in that direction, no television yet for me, I just know that Paul is frustrated, a bit disappointed with his colleague Koscielny for this kind of reaction.
‘But Paul is very frustrated because everyone knows Paul is a clean player and was not his intention at all to be close to a red card.’
BT Sport pundit Frank Lampard accused Pogba of ‘losing his head’ in the moments leading up to the tackle.
‘He was very heated and I’m of the opinion that if a manager gives you a message in a game you accept it as a player,’ the Chelsea legend said.
‘You can talk about it in the dressing room afterwards – you don’t need to throw arms as he does here.
‘Considering he got the red card a few minutes afterwards I think he got emotional I think he lost his head.
‘It wasn’t a tackle he needed to make. You’re leading 3-1, you’re protecting a lead and you understand the importance of the game and I think it’s affected his approach to the tackle.’
MORE : Agent P strikes again? Ozil embraces Pogba in Emirates tunnel before Man United win
Share this with