The FA Cup quarterfinal between Arsenal and Manchester United proved to be the mega entertainer for soccer fans all over the world and why not after all this showdown was reportedly watched by a record number of fans and if we discuss about the outcome of the game, it went into Gunners favor. They overshadowed their hosts in every department of the game. United is now ousted from the cup by 2-1 and more importantly it was sourced by the decision to send off Red Devils midfielder Angel Di Maria 13 minutes before the end of the game. Knowingly, the marching order of the Argentine was not because he did something wrong to other players but for his tugging on the back of Oliver – the referee’s – shirt. Later, United fans severely criticized the referee for behaving like anti United while few experts are also calling the decision correct under the circumstances and one of them is former Premier League referee Graham Poll who favors Oliver’s decision to debar any player who is misbehaving with the officials. He said, “Angel Di Maria had to be sent off by referee Michael Oliver for grabbing the official’s shirt after being correctly cautioned for simulation. The United player will be awaiting the reaction from the FA, who usually take a dim view of physical contact with officials.
“I hope there is not too strong a reaction as Di Maria’s touch was light and born of frustration rather than aggression. As Oliver only gave a second yellow for the offence, the FA are unlikely to punish Di Maria further. Di Maria had been booked earlier for a dive. Oliver delivered a really impressive refereeing performance which belied his age. He was consistent, strong and impartial throughout.
“The first serious foul brought a very early yellow card for Hector Bellerin though later Oliver showed tolerance when Bellerin just clipped Ashley Young, who demanded a second yellow card which was unsporting and unnecessary.”
While on the other hand, United manager Louis van Gaal is not hiding behind any excuse and did not support the act of his midfielder as well, he said, “I think he’s touched the referee and that’s forbidden in every country, so he has no excuses. In Spain, he knows that he doesn’t touch the referee, but that is also in his emotion. I’ve already spoken with him, he knows my opinion but also I have to see on the video.”