MARCUS RASHFORD was sent off for a studs-up challenge on his return to the Manchester United side.
The Red Devils led 2-0 when Rashford was shown a red card for his late tackle on Copenhagen’s Elias Jelert following a VAR check in the 42nd minute.
Rashford’s studs appeared to go over the ball when attempting to challenge Jelert.
The 20-year-old’s ankle rolled horribly as the Man Utd forward made contact.
Referee Donatas Rumsas was advised to go to the monitor and review the challenge.
After watching the incident again, he decided to send Rashford off.
The 26-year-old smiled incredulously as he was given his marching orders.
He had only just returned to the line-up, having missed out on Saturday’s 1-0 win at Fulham.
It was Rashford’s first start since his row with boss Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman called his star forward’s conduct “unacceptable” after he partied with family and friends to celebrate his 26th birthday… just hours after his side’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat to City.
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The Red Devils had led 2-0 at the time of Rashford’s red card.
But by half-time, their lead had evaporated.
From the resulting free-kick following Rashford’s foul, Copenhagen thwacked the bar.
It was a sign of things to come, with former Southampton ace Mohamed Elyounoussi scoring for Copenhagen on 45 minutes.
The Danes were then awarded a penalty eight minutes into first-half stoppage time for Harry Maguire‘s handball.
Copenhagen star Diogo Goncalves stepped up to make it 2-2.
Former Man Utd stars and TNT Sports pundits Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes disagreed with the decision to send Rashford off.
Asked if he felt it was the correct call, Hargreaves said: “No, not in a million years. Marcus is just trying to put his leg in front of the ball.
“He’s not even looking at the ball. When you see a still as a referee, it looks horrendous. It’s not malicious, it’s not serious foul play.”
Scholed then added: “I think that’s where the understanding of the referee has to come into it. It’s an accident.
“He’s trying to plant his foot and protect the ball.”
Ian Wright tweeted: “No chance that’s a red for Rashford.”
While Jamie Carragher wrote on social media: “No way is that a red card for Rashford!
“Hate these slow motion replays & still images that make everything look 10 times worse.”
The first half had twice been temporarily delayed.
In the ninth minute play was briefly halted after a fan ran on holding a Palestine flag.
Later in the half there was another delay, after a fan was taken ill in the stands.
