Rio Ferdinand fumes as 'soft' foul denies Matthijs de Ligt's goal for Manchester United against Rangers in Europa League
Updated 23/01/2025 at 21:25 GMT
Matthijs de Ligt thought he had put Manchester United ahead in their crucial UEFA Europa League tie against Rangers from a corner, only for referee Erik Lambrechts to blow up for a foul in the build-up against Leny Yoro. TNT Sports co-commentator Rio Ferdinand was left fuming with the decision, which he labelled "so soft" from Dutch defender Robin Propper. "I'm not having that," Ferdinand blasted.
‘That is so soft’ - De Ligt controversially denied opener after Yoro foul
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rio Ferdinand felt that Rangers defender Robin Propper went down "like a pack of cards" to deny Manchester United an opener in the UEFA Europa League at Old Trafford.
The two British sides meet in a crunch European clash – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – with both Ruben Amorim and Philippe Clement's sides eyeing a place in the top eight.
Matthijs de Ligt met Amad Diallo's corner to head home from close range on 23 minutes, and as he wheeled away to celebrate with the in-form youngster, their celebrations were cut short.
Referee Erik Lambrechts signalled for a foul in the build-up, and replays showed that Leny Yoro leaned into Propper, who hit the deck following the "soft" contact.
"I’m not having that, that is so soft," a raging Ferdinand blasted on TNT Sports commentary.
"He’s just touched him, leaned on him slightly and he’s gone down. Like a pack of cards!"
Ally McCoist sympathised with his fellow co-commentator and Man Utd, but could understand why the decision to rule out the goal stood.
"It might be a bit soft but I’ll be surprised if they change it," he said.
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"I don’t disagree with you Rio, but I think when the referee gives it, there’s enough for him not to change his mind."
And Ferdinand, standing his ground, simply replied: "[I'm] still not having it."
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
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