Man United boss Erik ten Hag says his team were “angry” when Brentford scored from a corner after Matthijs de Ligt was ordered to leave the pitch with a bloody head.
The Dutch defender collided with Kevin Schade’s knee after going for the ball with his head, causing him to bleed profusely. He returned to the pitch following concussion protocols but blood continued to pour from his head, forcing him off the pitch for more treatment.
De Ligt had to come off for a third time in injury time as more blood seeped from the wound, but while he was out of the action Ethan Pinnock scored from a corner to put the Bees ahead.
Ten Hag was booked for protesting at the removal of one of his key men, but referee Samuel Barrot was bound by the rules which state that a player has to leave the pitch if they are bleeding.
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The 54-year-old argued that De Ligt should not have been taken off as the blood had apparently dried. However, as former referee Mike Dean explained on Soccer Saturday, the rules do not specify whether the blood has to be running or dry, just that a player who is bleeding must leave the pitch to receive medical attention.
“It was dry blood,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “He was already treated for that injury. Nobody understood why he had to come off. I don’t know why.
“Of course, it was a huge moment because Brentford are very good on corners. Of course, we were disappointed.”
Man United were ultimately victorious after second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund saw them come from behind to secure their first win in over a month.
Asked if Brentford‘s goal was the catalyst they needed to perform at their best, Ten Hag responded: “It is hypothetical. We will never know but definitely we were angry at half time.”
Brentford manager Thomas Frank felt it was a fair decision to send De Ligt to the sideline. “I think it is good refereeing if I am honest,” he said.
“I always try to look at both sides. If it was their corner and Nathan Collins was bleeding I am pretty sure they would want to take the corner. Maybe we would have scored anyway. Who knows.”
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