Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Manchester United defender Marcus Rojo should have been sent off for his challenge on Willian during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Rojo caught the Chelsea winger on the ankle following a dangerous tackle after being brought on as a second half substitute, and according to football.london, via Sky Sports, Gallagher believes referee Martin Atkinson should have sent the Argentine off.
I think you could’ve given the first free-kick when the damage was already done, and then you wouldn’t have had the second foul. The first (on Gonzalo Higuain) was enough to give a foul for as there’s enough intensity in it.
But the challenge on Willian is just not acceptable. It’s a red card, and the referee just hasn’t seen it or is too close and right on top of it or how he’s got him, as the referee has played an advantage. I know Martin Atkinson well, and he’ll be absolutely livid with himself. He’d be the first person to hold his hands up and say, ‘if I’d have seen that, I’d have sent him off’.
The Blues remain in fourth place in the league following Sunday’s draw against United, who are three points further back in sixth.
