Arsenal face Athletic Club in their first Champions League fixture of the season, but the choice of official for the fixture could prove a headache for Mikel Arteta if a past European fixture is anything to go by
Referee Donatas Rumsas made headlines after United's clash with Copenhagen in 2023
Referee Donatas Rumsas made headlines after United's clash with Copenhagen in 2023
The referee overseeing Arsenal's Champions League encounter with Athletic Club on Tuesday was once at the centre of controversy with Manchester United. Lithuanian official Donatas Rumsas took charge of the Red Devils' clash with FC Copenhagen in the Champions League back in November 2023.
United were eventually beaten 4-3 at the Parken Stadium in the Danish capital. However, under then-manager Erik ten Hag, United were leading 2-0 and looked to be on course for victory, until Marcus Rashford was given his marching orders for a lunge on Elias Jelert, after Rusmas had consulted VAR.
Rumsas again found himself in the spotlight later on in the game as he was called to the pitch side monitor twice more. On both occasions he awarded a penalty to each side for handball.
However, Rumsas' decisions sparked debate and anger among Ten Hag and those on punditry for TNT Sports, where the game was broadcast live.
Speaking after the game, a tie that ultimately led to United finishing bottom of their Champions League group, Ten Hag said: "I’m very disappointed about such decisions. The game is never meant to be like this—this has nothing to do with football.
"I think first we played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game. 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 handball decisions by Rumsas were later described as "soft" by ex-United star Owen Hargreaves in the TNT Studio. His former colleague at United, Paul Scholes, was also left unhappy with Rashford's sending off.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is shown a red card by referee Donatas Rumsas in Copenhagen
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is shown a red card by referee Donatas Rumsas in Copenhagen
"In real time it's just not a red," Scholes said. However, Robbie Savage, who was on co-commentary, disagreed on Rashford's red card. "That for me is a red card," said the former Wales midfielder.
"Initially I thought he just turned, but I think that is a red card. When you see it from that other angle - he has gone to protect the ball, and by doing that he has stamped on his shin and that is 100 per cent a red card."
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United
Erik ten Hag was left furious after the decisions (Image: Getty Images)
Rusmas has handed out 22 yellow cards and three reds in the seven Champions League fixtures he has officiated. Arsenal will be looking to get their Champions League campaign off to a perfect start against the Spanish side, with the Gunners reaching the semi-final last year, only to be beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Rumsas stays out of the headlines this time around when the game kicks off at 5:45pm, at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao on Tuesday evening.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image