The incident happened in the 36th minute of an engaging – though scoreless – first half at Anfield between United and league leaders Liverpool.
Following a foul by United’s Manuel Ugarte on Luis Dias, Hojlund was seen pushing the ball away from Virgil van Dijk, who seemed to be preparing for a quick free-kick. ..Continue Reading
Referee Oliver overlooked Hojlund’s act of petulance, allowing the young Danish striker to escape without punishment for delaying the game.
United full-back Diogo Dalot was the only player booked in the first half, receiving a yellow card in the 23rd minute on Merseyside.
The incident reminded many Arsenal supporters of their match against champions Manchester City earlier this season, where the same referee issued Trossard a second yellow card for a similar offense.
Back in September, Trossard’s first booking came from a shirt tug on Savinho, and Oliver issued a second yellow when Trossard kicked the ball away after an Arsenal foul in the final moments of a dramatic first half.
City managed to salvage a point thanks to John Stones’ late heroics at the Etihad, and Mikel Arteta was vocal about his feelings to the media immediately afterward.
‘We were more efficient and went 2-1 up and then there were two incidents, very similar, one in particular, but had a very different outcome which then forces you to have a game which nobody wants to watch,’ the Arsenal boss told reporters.
‘I think it’s very clear. Very obvious. Hopefully what 100 per cent of what people thinks. It’s not my job to come here and judge what happened.
‘My job is to survive in the most difficult environment you can throw in football for 55 minutes. And try to get things done to survive. That’s my job, the rest is not my job.’
According to Arteta, Trossard’s sending off left Arsenal with an ‘impossible’ task against Guardiola’s side.
‘Anyone that has played football or any sport [can see] it’s less than a second. Less than a second. The previous one [Jeremy Doku] is more than a second. That’s it, simple,’ the Spaniard added.
‘It’s impossible. It’s very hard already against 11 players, impossible. Because we are put under pressure to defend with six in our box time and time and time after time. That’s it.’
Following Hojlund’s escape from a booking at Anfield, Arsenal fans took to social media to express their frustration, highlighting what they perceived as Oliver’s inconsistent officiating.
‘Michael Oliver, who controversially sent Leandro Trossard off vs Manchester City, doesn’t give Rasmus Hojlund a yellow card for the same offence vs Liverpool. Consistency…,’ @DailyAFC wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘Hojlund just delayed the restart and Michael Oliver the same referee who sent Trossard off for it does nothing [two laughing emojis],’ @bekeeszn said.
‘HOJLUND KICKED THE BALL AWAY!!?? Of course Michael Oliver does nothing about it,’ @CailumAFC tweeted.
‘Michael Oliver literally just watched Hojlund kick the ball away there and gave no yellow He couldn’t wait to book Trossard in the City game,’ @OlliemAFC wrote.
‘Michael Oliver sent Trossard off for allegedly delaying restart against Man City but look at him here,’ @Nkabuije wrote.
