Manchester City stars angrily confronted referee Stuart Attwell and the other match officials in the Old Trafford tunnel after Bruno Fernandes’ goal was controversially allowed to stand, according to reports.
The Cityzens went into the derby knowing they needed a win to close the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
United were the better side in the first half but come the hour mark, Jack Grealish came off the bench to score the opener.
However, as the match approached the latter stages, Fernandes equalised for the hosts in controversial circumstances.
Marcus Rashford was offside in the build-up and while he did not touch the ball, many believe he interfered with play before his teammate’s finish.
The linesman initially raised his flag, but the decision was overruled after a conversation with the referee, and VAR did not intervene with the on-field decision.
It sparked total outrage from the City players, who surrounded the referee in protest as United players celebrated. The controversy led to an angry confrontation between players and officials in the tunnel after the final whistle.
According to ESPN, A group of Man City players – including Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji – confronted referee Stuart Attwell and his assistants in the tunnel at Old Trafford over the decision to allow Bruno Fernandes’ goal.
City had a fair point that Fernandes’ goal should have been ruled out. Marcus Rashford was well offside as he latched onto a through ball and could have been considered to be interfering with play as he was clearly in possession, regardless of whether he touched the ball.
“To be honest, the first goal is a joke that it’s allowed. Rashford is clearly offside so I played him offside. He runs to the last second and only stops because Bruno is coming in behind him,” City defender Akanji raged to reporters.
Pep Guardiola insisted that the Old Trafford crowd were responsible for the goal being awarded. The Spaniard told Sky Sports: “Marcus Rashford is offside, Bruno Fernandes is not. Rashford distracted our keeper and centre defenders. It is what it is. We know where we play. It is difficult for the referees in these stadiums.”
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