Man Utd fans shocked by Bruno Fernandes' yellow card

Fernandes received a yellow card in the 41st minute, due to his hand touching the ball in the situation of blocking Nemanja Gudelj's shot. The Portuguese midfielder will have to miss the second leg on April 20, because he has received enough cards.

According to many Man Utd fans, this is too heavy a penalty because the shot is too close, making Fernandes unable to avoid it. "Shocked that the referee gave such a penalty," one person wrote on Twitter. Another fan asked: "What can Fernandes do in that situation?".

Former Man Utd midfielder Rio Ferdinand also used the word "ridiculous" to talk about the decision to fine Fernandes.

The Fernandes penalty situation came just three minutes after Erik Lamela stepped on Casemiro. The referee only gave Lamela a yellow card, while the Sun said that a red card was needed for the Sevilla player.

"The referee just showed a yellow card for the error that deserves a red card," former Man Utd goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel commented on the BBC.

Regarding the penalty card for Fernandes, Schmeichel objected and said that the Man Utd midfielder could not withdraw his hand when the shot was too close. "I agree with the penalty, but it doesn't deserve a yellow card," said the former Denmark goalkeeper.

Fernandes' absence from the second leg is exacerbating Man Utd's personnel situation. Before that, they faced the risk of losing the main central defender pair Raphael Varane - Lisandro Martinez due to injury. Striker Marcus Rashford has also not recovered from a muscle injury.

This match, Man Utd led two goals thanks to midfielder Marcel Sabitzer in the first half. However, the home team failed to defend the advantage. In the 84th minute, Sevilla equalized the first goal when Jesus Navas crossed the ball to make Tyrell Malacia own an own goal. After Martinez left the field, Man Utd had to play with 10 players because they ran out of substitutions. Sevilla equalized 2-2 from Youssef En-Nesyri's header and Harry Maguire changed direction and flew into goal.

The second leg will take place at Sevilla's stadium on April 20. If they pass, Man Utd will enter the semi-finals to meet the winner of the Juventus - Sporting pair.

Sevilla holds the record of winning six UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues. However, the Spanish team did not perform well this season. They are ranked 13th in La Liga, after falling to 19th. Incumbent coach Jose Luis Mendilibar is Sevilla's third coach this season, after Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli.