02.05.2025 09:30
In the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final, Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0. The referee Espen Eskas showed a direct red card to Dani Vivian of Athletic Bilbao in the 35th minute, and this decision drew significant backlash. Eskas had previously made headlines for his controversial decisions in the match between Fenerbahçe and Rangers in the UEFA Europa League.
The excitement of the semi-finals in the UEFA Europa League has begun. Manchester United opened the door to the final by defeating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away. However, more than the English team's victory, the referee Espen Eskas's decision in the 35th minute of the match was the main topic of discussion.
THE DECISIONS HE MADE BECAME AGENDA
In a situation that occurred in the Manchester United penalty area, Rasmus Hojlund fell to the ground. After watching the incident with a VAR alert, Eskas pointed to the penalty spot and showed a red card to Dani Vivian for his intervention on Hojlund.
REACTIONS POURED IN AFTER THE MATCH
This decision drove the Athletic Bilbao side almost crazy. In statements made after the match, Athletic Bilbao's coach Valverde said, "The penalty and the red card affected the game significantly despite us being dominant and clearly attacking. We protested against a handball by Garnacho that occurred earlier before the penalty... I think that was clearer. It was too much of a punishment for us, and we had to play with 10 men throughout the match."
IT HAD ALSO DRIVEN FENERBAHÇE CRAZY
The Norwegian referee was also the referee for the match in which Fenerbahçe played away against Rangers in the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa League. In the match where the yellow-navy team bid farewell to the cup in a series of penalty shootouts, Eskas had drawn the reaction of the Fenerbahçe side with his decisions.