Manchester United’s skipper, Bruno Fernandes, has criticized the regulation that penalizes players for removing their jerseys during goal celebrations.
In the FA Cup quarter-final triumph against Liverpool, Amad Diallo received his second yellow card shortly after netting the decisive goal in the closing stages of extra time.
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Amad, who came on as a substitute in the second half, was initially cautioned at the 116th-minute mark for fouling Virgil van Dijk, which hindered Liverpool’s opportunity for a swift free-kick.
Merely five minutes later, he thrilled the Old Trafford crowd by scoring against Caoimhin Kelleher, securing United’s spot in the semi-finals with one of the game’s last plays.
Yet, in the midst of the celebration, Amad removed his jersey and waved it overhead, leading to a mandatory second yellow card from referee John Brooks and the consequent dismissal of the Ivorian hero.
Following his ejection, Amad proceeded to the locker room and had to remain there while his colleagues completed the match, awaiting the final whistle.
Post-match, Fernandes openly condemned the rule that prevented Amad from staying on the field post-goal due to his shirt removal, advocating for its abolition.
“This moment has to be enjoyed and I think it’s one of the rules football has to change,” Fernandes said. “Because you should be able to celebrate the goal, obviously with respect to other clubs, to enjoy your moment.
“The thing with Amad, he got his reward because he’s doing the right things. When you do the right things, you get a chance, and what is yours comes to you. He deserves it. Unfortunately, he got sent off, but it’s part of the moment and part of being young.”
Amad, set to be absent for United’s next match against Brentford instead of a semi-final encounter with Coventry, acknowledged his lapse in remembering his prior yellow card just before his winning goal. He expressed his “disappointment” over being sidelined for the upcoming game in west London this Saturday.
“I forgot the first yellow,” Diallo said. “I’m very disappointed for that, a red card, but the most important for me is to win and against a big team like Liverpool is a big, big moment for me. Everyone came to me and said congratulations. I want to thank everyone, the fans were superb all game.
“What a game. I think we deserved this win. We played very good, one of the best games of the season also. I think so (best goal he has scored). It’s an important moment, so I think it’s the best goal of my career. This is football. You need to believe every single moment. I’m happy to score.”
