Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer was 'extremely lucky' to avoid a red card that would have ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final clash with Newcastle United. That is the view of former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, after the midfielder escaped punishment for a knee-high challenge on Wout Faes in the victory over Leicester City.
The Red Devils overcame a slow start to ease to a 3-0 win over the Foxes at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Jadon Sancho netting after Marcus Rashford struck either side of the break. However, Newcastle's upcoming opponents could have been reduced to 10 men before the interval when Sabitzer caught Faes on the side of his knee with his studs.
Referee Stuart Attwell did not punish the midfielder for the challenge, and a brief VAR review stood by the decision. However, Gallagher is in no doubt that Sabitzer should have seen red for the 'dangerous' challenge.
