Striker Wout Weghorst has admitted that he felt slightly sorry for Brighton & Hove Albion winger Solly March after he missed a key penalty in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United at Wembley.
After the game had finished goalless at the end of 120 minutes, the contest went to spot-kicks to determine a winner. Following 12 successful spot kicks between the two teams, March blazed his effort over, leaving Victor Lindelof with the chance to clinch the tie for United. The Swede successfully dispatched his effort, securing a 7-6 triumph for Erik ten Hag's side.
Prior to March blazing the ball over the top, Weghorst had successfully dispatched his penalty and United's sixth, putting the pressure back on Brighton. After scoring his penalty, the Dutch loanee picked up the ball, walked back towards the centre circle and then kissed it when handing it over to March.
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The Netherlands international also had a few words with the Seagulls ace, seemingly to try and put him off ahead of facing David de Gea. Whether or not that was a direct target of Weghorst's, it worked, with March skying his effort.
Asked if it was his plan to speak to March, Weghorst said: "Yes, I already said it actually before we started to some of the guys but nobody did it. I scored and then I saw the ball and tried to get a few advantages which could maybe help us win it.
"I walked to him and said some things, but at the end [of the match] I went to him because I felt also a little bit sorry because obviously this was the one that they missed. I just tried everything and normally it doesn't make a difference but maybe it did."
Weghorst's actions generated a mixed response from supporters, with some describing his actions as s***housery, whereas other questioned his sportsmanship. The striker, signed on loan from Burnley in January, only stepped onto the pitch during extra time to replace the injured Bruno Fernandes.
On participating in the shootout, Weghorst continued: "I was hoping I could take the decider! But Victor could do that so that's all good.
"I wanted to take one and take one of the first five, but the trainer [Ten Hag] decided this. But at least I could contribute to today so that's also, personally, good for me."
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