Bruno Fernandes concedes Man United penalty
(Credit: TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Thu 6 March 2025 20:30, UK
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes can have no complaints about the penalty he conceded in the Europa League clash with Real Sociedad, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 30-year-old had his arm in an unnatural position when he handled the ball inside his own penalty area.
Ruben Amorim‘s side will have been looking for a positive result as they travelled to Spain to take on Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash on Thursday night (6 March).
However, it was a mistake from Fernandes that prevented Man United from going into the second leg at Old Trafford with a lead on the scoreboard.
Keith Hackett on Bruno Fernandes handball
Keith Hackett has reacted to the penalty Bruno Fernandes conceded vs Real Sociedad
Bruno Fernandes gifts Real Sociedad equaliser after conceding penalty
Man United had missed a chance to go ahead in the first half after Diogo Dalot chose not to tee up Rasmus Hojlund, meaning the game was goalless at half time.
They would though take the lead just before the hour-mark, when Joshua Zirkzee made up for his penalty miss in the FA Cup shootout defeat to Fulham at the weekend by firing in from the edge of the area.
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However, Sociedad would level from the spot with 20 minutes remaining, when Fernandes handled inside the area after raising his arm as he jumped to defend a corner.
Bruno Fernandes vs Real Sociedad Total (as per SofaScore)
Shots on Target 1
Shots off Target 1
Successful Passes 40/54
Successful Duels 1/6
Clearances 0
Penalty Conceded 1
While there were few appeals inside the stadium, a spot kick was awarded after a VAR review, a decision that Robbie Savage was “harsh but correct” while commentating on TNT Sports.
Mikel Oyarzabal then converted the penalty to ensure that Man United would have to settle for a 1-1 draw in that first leg.
Now, Hackett has confirmed that the right decision was reached in awarding a penalty against Fernandes.
Keith Hackett reacts as Man United concede Europa League penalty
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision by referee Ivan Kruzliak and VAR to give that penalty to Real Sociedad, the former official said:
“100% penalty kick. The player has made his body shape bigger by having his arm in an unnatural position. Correct decision by the match officials.”
Prior to the return leg next week, Man United are due to host Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday (9 March).
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