• FA Cup

'Referee right to send off Manchester United's Di Maria'

ESPN staff
March 10, 2015
Van Gaal to blame for United's problems?

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has backed Michael Oliver's decision to send of Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria.

Di Maria was given his marching orders 13 minutes before the end of United's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at home to Arsenal after tugging on the back of Oliver's shirt.

It came moments after the Argentine had been booked for diving after going to the ground up against Aaron Ramsey.

Poll told the Daily Mail: "Angel Di Maria had to be sent off by referee Michael Oliver for grabbing the official's shirt after being correctly cautioned for simulation.

"The United player will be awaiting the reaction from the FA, who usually take a dim view of physical contact with officials.

"I hope there is not too strong a reaction as Di Maria's touch was light and born of frustration rather than aggression.

"As Oliver only gave a second yellow for the offence, the FA are unlikely to punish Di Maria further. Di Maria had been booked earlier for a dive.

"Oliver delivered a really impressive refereeing performance which belied his age [30]. He was consistent, strong and impartial throughout.

"The first serious foul brought a very early yellow card for Hector Bellerin though later Oliver showed tolerance when Bellerin just clipped Ashley Young, who demanded a second yellow card which was unsporting and unnecessary."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices