Akanji with derby frustration
“The first goal is a joke”
A questionable decision brings Manchester United back in the derby against ManCity. And paves the way for change. The scene causes trouble, even with Nati star Manuel Akanji.
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This is not how Manuel Akanji imagined the outcome of the Manchester derby.
Manchester City has had everything under control in the city derby against United (1: 2) for a long time. Until the 78th minute runs and a questionable decision initiates the turnaround.
Marcus Rashford is sent off with a long pass, chases after the ball and only gives it to team-mate Bruno Fernandes at the last second. He says thank you and nets for a 1-1 equaliser. The goal counts, although Rashford started from a clear offside position and blocks the way for our Nati defender Manuel Akanji. VAR’s reasoning: He didn’t touch the ball, just covered it. This is assessed by the referee as passive offside.
“He was clearly offside”
The scene gives something to talk about after the game. Akanji pissed off: “The first goal is a joke,” he says to “BBC”. “I saw Rashford, he was clearly offside.”
But that’s not all, Akanji talks himself into a rage. “I understand he doesn’t touch the ball, but he runs 30 meters and to the last second. He was a distraction for me and Kyle. For me it’s definitely offside.” He is right in front of the goalkeeper, ready to score the goal. And only stop because Fernandes calls out to him from behind that he is not in an offside position.
Akanji would have liked video study
What also annoys the Swiss national star is the fact that the referee doesn’t even look at the situation on video. Akanji explains his anger to “Viaplay”: “I thought the rule is if you chase the ball and really intend to play it, then it’s offside. But the referee decided otherwise.”
It is possible that the decision would have been different if Man City had been the home team. At least that’s what Akanji suspects. He can imagine that the pressure in the stadium was high and the referee therefore decided not to study videos.
Ultimately, all anger is useless. In the fight for the top position, the defeat means a setback. Leader Arsenal can extend their lead to eight points with a win against Tottenham on Sunday (5:30 p.m.). (bir)
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