2pac Shakur would be proud of Marouane Fellaini today, as his antics have attracted the Thug Life label. Yes, former official Howard Webb called Fellaini “a thug” after he had not one but two more elbowing incidents today at Old Trafford as United drew 1-1 with arch-rivals Liverpool.
The Reds eliminated the Red Devils 3-1 on aggregate and now find themselves through to the tournament’s quarter-final round.
Fellaini escaped booking in the first leg of this tie for an incident with Emre Can. He also wasn’t punished for an incident with Firmino today.
Fellaini also swung an arm at Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, and got booked for it.
Analyzing the officiating of the match for BT Sport Europe, Webb said: “It’s one thing imposing yourself on the game, but another thing being a thug on the pitch.
“[Fellaini] can’t play without throwing his elbows around. I think he should have been suspended for [the incident in the first leg] but UEFA never looked at it.This ongoing battle with Can continues, he throws an arm — reckless in my opinion, not violent, worth a yellow card.
“But this one’s a red card. Dejan Lovren is holding him — is that an excuse to throw an arm? No, of course not.
“He clenches his fist, he puts force into the elbow, the point of the elbow into the back of the head, and he should have been sent off.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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