Fuming Brendan Rodgers describes decision not to send off Sabitzer as ‘incredible’

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has described the failure to send Marcel Sabitzer off in the first half of their clash with Manchester United as ‘incredible’. 

Sabitzer put in a studs-up challenge on defender Wout Faes in the first half at Old Trafford and appeared lucky not to be given his marching orders as a result of the challenge. 

Echoing Graeme Souness’ post-match sentiments, Rodgers questioned why the midfielder was not shown a red card and appeared to reference some of the controversial decisions that have been passed down by VAR over the past few weeks. 

‘I don’t know (why a red card wasn’t shown),’ he said. ‘We’ve seen in the last few weeks, some of the decisions. Someone has said it was maybe after an incident but I don’t buy that one.

‘If you look at Arsenal’s penalty at Manchester City, Eddie Nketiah is in on goal and has a shot at goal, but the follow through makes it a foul, which makes it a penalty,’ he added.

The Leicester boss fumed at the officials and VAR after they failed to pick up on the challenge

‘In this instance, even if the play has stopped, he’s followed through and straight-legged him right on his knee.’

Souness, speaking on Sky Sports after the incident, said he ‘didn’t care what some referee who has never played the game’ thought about the foul, and insisted it was a red card. 

‘I think this is a red card for several reasons. He’s on his heels when the ball breaks to him,’ he said. ‘He’s turned side onto it. If you’re going to do someone that’s how you do it. If he makes contact with the ball what’s he going to do with the ball? He’s looking for the player. 

‘I don’t care what some referee who has never played the game has to say on that. That is a sending off. That is dangerous play. If that’s not dangerous play, what is? He’s turned side on, that’s a classic case of setting yourself up to do someone.’ 

Despite his anger over the lack of a red card, Rodgers admitted his side never got going in the game and failed to prevent ‘preventable’ United goals.

‘We never got going,’ he said. ‘The first half, we had good chances and it was a continuation of the last number of weeks. 

Graeme Souness stated that the Manchester United player intended to catch his opponent

Rodgers said that his side then conceded ‘preventable’ goals to allow Manchester United a comfortable victory

Marcus Rashford scored twice for the hosts as they maintained pressure on the top of the league

Rodgers also bemoaned his side’s failure to make good their impressive start in the first half

‘But all three goals we conceded were preventable. We gave it away. Normally our counter pressing has been really good but the first goal (Bruno) Fernandes has played it through really quickly and Marcus has timed his run and finished it really well.

‘We were right in the game and looked a threat but we never really got going. We weren’t able to take the ball and keep the ball for long enough.

‘The two goals we then conceded, the second one lifts the crowd. Marcus is onside but we should close the space inside. The third one we force the pass when there is no need.

‘For us we showed a good level in the first half and just got undone with moments of quality from them, and by the end, they were comfortable.’