Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is at the center of controversy in Norway following their 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
Onana was involved in a controversial incident during this match. Surprised at the entrance to his area, the Cameroonian goalkeeper had to make a tackle to recover the ball.
In the process, some wondered if he had committed a hand fault. VAR ruled there was no handball, fortunately for Onana, who could have been shown a red card had the decision not gone in United’s favor in the 3-2 victory.
Why was Onana not punished?
Bodo/Glimt captain Patrick Berg was asked on Norwegian television about the incident with Onana in the second half at Old Trafford. Berg initially said he thought there had been contact.
“I have the impression that Jens [Petter Hauge] tries to pass the ball past Onana and then touches it with his hand”Berg said, reported by NRK.
However, the match referee enlightened Berg. « Il [l’arbitre] explains that there is a rule that says the ball can hit the hand if it is on the ground for support, so it doesn’t matter. »
But Berg’s teammate Hakon Evjen thinks there is room for discussion. “It looks like he takes it with his hand from time to time, whether there is support or not. It’s an open target for Jens at 20 yards, so it’s at least questionable. »
At the time, Bodo/Glimt did not protest loudly and that was the end of the story, at least on the field. In the Swedish media, the controversy was fueled.
Onana sentenced in Norway
While the Bodo/Glimt captain accepted the decision, Kristoffer Lokberg, football consultant for NRK, had questions.
“The VAR must consider that it [Hauge] has been deprived of an obvious scoring opportunity. Which means he is retained, but no free kick or red card. But, then I need an explanation of what they think is a bigger opportunity than what it would potentially become if Hauge beat Onana there? »
United are now 12th in the Europa League table with nine points, overtaking Bodo/Glimt who drop to 17th with seven.
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