Jamie O’Hara has hit out at the “worst decision” he has ever seen after Manchester City were awarded a penalty against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday.
An Erling Haaland-inspired performance fired City to the Champions League quarter-finals, with the Norwegian striker scoring a staggering five times against Leipzig.
The 22-year-old City star opened the scoring at the Etihad from the spot-kick in the second-leg last-16 tie after a controversial handball call from referee Slavko Vincic.
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Leipzig player Benjamin Henrichs’ arm struck the ball as a result of a header from City midfield maestro Rodri, which led to a VAR review and Vincic was called over to the monitor.
Vincic overturned his initial decision and pointed to the spot after the check, which allowed Haaland to beat Leipzig shot-stopper Janis Blaswich from the spot-kick.
Following the controversial handball call, O’Hara pulled no punches towards the referee and claimed the first half hour “ruined the spectacle.”
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When asked about the penalty decision, he said on talkSPORT: “The penalty decision was an absolute disgrace!
“The first half an hour from the referee ruined the spectacle. It was probably the worst decision I have ever seen.
“It brushes his arm, it’s not handball and it isn’t football.”
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was also not happy with the handball decision and believes the “bad rule” went in favour of City over helping Henrichs’ case.
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“The letter of the law would say it’s a penalty but this is a bad rule,” he said.
“He [Henrichs] is not looking at the ball. When he’s jumping his hands have to be around that area and I think it’s a bad decision... or I should say bad rule.”
Haaland, who was pulled off in the second half before he could try to score a double hat-trick, opened up about his “super strength” after the match.
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Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “My super strength is scoring goals.
“A lot of it is being quick in the mind and trying to put it where the goalkeeper is not.
“I was so tired after my celebrations.”
READ MORE:
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Topics: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Champions League, Football
