09 November 2023 , 07:24
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Jamie Carragher has called for VAR to be scrapped after Manchester United's 4-3 loss at Copenhagen on Wednesday - labelling one decision a "disgrace".
Three key calls in the Champions League game were made following a VAR review. Marcus Rashford was sent off in the 42nd minute for wrapping his studs around Elias Jelert's ankle, while both teams were awarded penalties for handball in the box.
United stormed into a two-goal lead thanks to Rasmus Hojlund's brace. Rashford's red card was then followed by two Copenhagen goals on the stroke of half-time, with former Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Goncalves both scoring.
A VAR decision went in United's favour in the 69th minute, allowing Bruno Fernandes to restore their lead from the spot. Yet Copenhagen snatched all three points late on after Lukas Lerager and 17-year-old substitute Roony Bardghji found the net.
All three VAR decisions caused a debate on social media, with Carragher getting involved. The Liverpool legend couldn't believe United were awarded a penalty and immediately wrote on X: "The game has gone! Get rid of VAR, that's a disgrace."
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Carragher also thought Rashford was unlucky to be sent off for his challenge. The CBS Sports pundit added: "No way is that a red card for Rashford! Hate these slow-motion replays and still images that make everything look 10 times worse."
United boss Erik ten Hag blamed the defeat on Rashford's dismissal. He told TNT Sports: "Do you have one hour (for me to explain everything)? I think first we played very well until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game."
Marcus Rashford was sent off on Wednesday (Getty Images)What are your thoughts on VAR? Let us know in the comments below!
He added: "We have to deal with many decisions against us in other games. That's how it is... at one point it will turn in our favour. It is a harsh decision. He was going for the ball. The review was over, then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure."
The result is a huge blow to United's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League. They are bottom of their qualifying group with two games to play against Bayern Munich - who have already progressed - at Old Trafford and Galatasaray in Turkey.
Carragher isn't the only pundit to disagree with the red card. Steve Bruce described Rashford's challenge as "not intentional". He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He’s gone to protect the ball and every footballer or amateur footballer out there will understand he’s doing what a striker should do and putting his body in front of the ball to protect the ball.
"Unfortunately he has caught the kid on the ankle. This is football, this happens. It’s a contact sport, it always has been. Then we talk about decisions and go into the hideous VAR issues which again we’re talking about and we’re talking about that far too often."