Hojlund receives a blow to the face, everyone asked for a penalty, but the referee did not call it

The Europa League round of 16 second-leg clash between Manchester United and Real Sociedad was marred by a controversial incident that left United fans and players incensed. A suspected penalty incident involving Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro and Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund became the focal point of debate.

The Incident: Remiro's Challenge on Hojlund

With the score tied at 1-1, a crucial moment occurred when Remiro came out to clear a cross. In the process, the Real Sociedad goalkeeper appeared to strike Hojlund in the face with his forearm. The incident sparked immediate appeals for a penalty from Manchester United players and fans.

United's Penalty Claims: A Denied Appeal

Despite the vehement protests from the Manchester United camp, the referee opted not to award a penalty. This decision ignited a wave of controversy, with many believing that a clear foul had been committed.

Hojlund's Perspective: A Physical Encounter

Rasmus Hojlund, the victim of the challenge, was visibly aggrieved by the incident. He felt that he had been unfairly denied a clear penalty, which could have significantly impacted the outcome of the match.

Fan Reaction: Outrage and Frustration

Manchester United fans took to social media to express their outrage and frustration at the referee's decision. They felt that their team had been denied a crucial penalty, which could have propelled them into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Expert Opinions: Divided Views

The incident also sparked debate among football pundits and analysts. Some argued that Remiro's challenge was a clear foul and warranted a penalty, while others believed that the referee's decision was justified.

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The Aftermath: Questions and Scrutiny

The controversial incident has raised questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions in European competitions. It has also highlighted the importance of VAR in ensuring fair outcomes in crucial matches.

The incident involving Remiro and Hojlund will undoubtedly be a talking point for days to come. It has reignited the debate about penalty decisions and the role of referees in high-stakes matches.