Eric Bailly set to miss Europa League last 16 first leg tie after being sent off for Manchester United after second yellow – but replays showed it was a soft decision
JOSE MOURINHO was not most pleased as Eric Bailly was sent off for a second booking in three minutes against St Etienne.
The Ivorian was adjudged to have left his studs in on Romain Hamouma and he will miss their Europa League last-16 first-leg tie.
And German referee Deniz Aytekin produced the second yellow without hesitating, leaving centre back with an early bath.
Keep up to date with ALL the Manchester United news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Mourinho was clearly incensed as his star central defender wandered off with his head down.
The Portuguese protested with the match officials but it was, of course, to no avail.
United had taken an early lead through Henrikh Mkhitaryan's glanced finish, but the Armenian later hobbled off with what looks like a hamstring problem.
Michael Carrick followed him off the pitch on the hour mark with suggestions he has also picked up a knock.
So it has not been a good night for Mourinho, who is facing playing the EFL Cup final on Sunday without two of his best players.
Paul Scholes said on BT Sport after the game: "The second one, the first one is definitely a yellow card but he doesn't need to do this really. Plus you have to think about the referee - they're 4-0 up!"
Michael Owen added: "I think so, one the referee might need to understand the game a bit better but I didn't think the second one is a second yellow and a red.
"He made two challenges in the first half and in the second half, he's just given the referee an excuse, why would you give the referee the chance?"
United boss Mourinho was asked after the game if he thought the second yellow card was harsh.
He said: "I think so, but that boy Hamouma has good qualities and a good player he is, he enjoyed too much the diving and simulation. So he gets in these situations.
"But again Eric will not play in the first match of the next round. Hopefully Jones is back soon, one man's miss is another's opportunity for now."
