Match official says Manchester United defender De Ligt was not “seriously injured”
Referee Anthony Taylor has explained his decision to allow play to continue during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford on Sunday.
United defender Matthijs de Ligt had fallen on the turf with an apparent knee problem, but Brentford, who had an attack ongoing, played on and eventually scored to go 2-1 up.
De Ligt’s absence was crucial for the goal as Brentford capitalised on the gap he left in the box, allowing Kevin Schade to rise higher than United youngster Tyler Fredricson and head past Altair Bayindir.
Referee Taylor, giving clarity to his decision on Sky Sports, said: “The main consideration was my responsibility is to decide if De Ligt is seriously injured or not.
“In this situation because he’s sitting up I don’t consider that serious and allowed the game to continue. It’s probably more a foul on [Yoane] Wissa than the other way.”
Brentford would go on to win 4-3, after going 4-1 up but seeing United rally with two late goals, although prevented from getting the equaliser by the full time whistle.
The win took Brentford up to ninth in the table, but perhaps too far behind for a place in Europe. United, on the other hand, remain in 15th place, but turn their eyes towards the crucial semi-final second leg against Athletic Club in the Europa League.
