THIS IS NOT FAIR : Why Andre Onana will NOT be suspended for FA Cup final… despite receiving two yellow cards during Man United’s semi-final – but Emi Martinez WILL miss Aston Villa’s next European clash………
THIS IS NOT FAIR: Why Andre Onana will NOT be punished for the FA Cup final, despite collecting two yellow cards in Manchester United’s semi-final, while Emi Martinez WILL miss Aston Villa’s next European match.
Andre Onana will not miss Manchester United’s FA Cup final against Manchester City since his suspension for accumulated yellow cards expires in the quarterfinal stage.
The United goalkeeper was given a yellow card for wasting time in regular and during the penalty shootout win over Coventry on Sunday.
Typically, two yellow cards equal a red card and a player is sent out, but bookings from regulation time do not carry over into the shootout, therefore Onana was spared a nightmare.
It also implies he will play in the final on May 25 because the only way to be banned for that is with a red card, not cumulative yellow cards.
However, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will miss the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-finals due to the same infraction.
Martinez was penalized for wasting time in the second leg of the final eight against Lille, as well as during the penalty shootout, where he saved Benjamin Andre’s shot.
Villa had always expected Martinez to be suspended, but UEFA was less certain.
According to the governing body’s rules, yellow cards received throughout the competition are deleted from a player’s record after the quarterfinals.
Despite not being sent off in the shoot-out, Martinez was booked twice on the night.
After hours of discussion, UEFA decided to suspend Martinez after he received three bookings throughout the match against Lille. He will be missing the opening leg of the semi-final against Olympiacos.
Martinez stated after the game on Thursday, ‘It’s all about reputation since the other goaltender was doing exactly the same thing [time wasting in normal play].
‘I received a yellow after 30 minutes, and we were losing the game, so I’m not sure what the official expects from me.
‘There was no ball on the penalty spot during the shootout. I asked the ball boy for a ball and got booked. I simply don’t comprehend the rules.
Looking across at Martinez, you suppose Onana will feel a little fortunate, even if his availability for the final is totally legitimate under the game’s regulations.
