UEFA confirm length of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s Champions League ban
UEFA have confirmed that Marcus Rashford will serve a one-match suspension against Galatasaray next week after being sent-off in Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to FC Copenhagen earlier this month.
The England international, who has scored just one goal so far this season, was dismissed in the first half of United’s 4-3 defeat to the Danish side at Parken Stadium following a VAR intervention. He had gone to protect the ball in a 50-50 from Elias Jelert but went over the top and stamped on the defender’s ankle.
The decision was blasted by pundits and supporters alike at the time of the incident, highlighting that Rashford knew nothing about the challenge. It was clear that it was his intention to shield the ball from his opponent.
United were 2-0 up at the time of his premature exit and found themselves pegged back to 2-2 by the time the half-time whistle blew. Bruno Fernandes then restored the Reds’ lead from the penalty spot before Copenhagen rallied, scoring two late goals to clinch all three points.
Defeat in Denmark has put enormous pressure on United’s players and manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the trip to Galatasaray on Wednesday. They are currently bottom of Group A with two group matches left and a defeat in Turkey would see them crash out of the competition.
United will have to make do without Rashford, though, with UEFA confirming he will miss the contest through suspension. The incident has been described as ‘rough play’, though there were some fears that his ban could have been extended.
It means he will be available for selection when United play Bayern Munich in their final group game at Old Trafford on December 12. Rashford has started each of United’s opening four Champions League games this season, registering two assists in the process.
