Ole ‘lost for words’ after Rashford racist abuse
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he is “lost for words” after a second Manchester United player was racially abused on social media.
Marcus Rashford was sent a series of racist tweets after missing a penalty during the team’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday, just five days after similar incidents involving Paul Pogba. “It’s the same as we spoke about before the weekend; it needs to stop,” Solskjaer said at a news conference. “I’m just lost for words. They keep hiding behind fake IDs and it’s crazy we talk about this in 2019.” Rashford missed from the spot in the second half after Jordan Ayew had scored after 32 minutes, marking Palace’s first league goal at Old Trafford in 15 years.
Daniel James eventually equalised two minutes from time, only for Patrick van Aanholt to score the winner in the third minute of injury time after beating David De Gea at his near post.
“I think we didn’t have enough
urgency and penetration,” said Solskjaer. “[The first goal] was one long kick, such an easy goal, and the last goal, David has not touched the ball [all game] and they score again. Sometimes that’ll be the case -- teams will come here and defend against us.”
Solskjaer said he was also frustrated by referee Paul Tierney’s decision to punish Gary Cahill with just a yellow card in the first half after he pulled back Anthony Martial when the Frenchman looked to be through on goal.
The Norwegian also felt his team should have been awarded a penalty when Martial appeared to be fouled by Martin Kelly in the area -- a decision that was not overturned by the VAR.
“I think we were unlucky with Martial’s clear and obvious penalty,” said Solskjaer. “It’s a nailed on one and when the ref sees the game he’ll know he’s not had his best.” Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj