Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has criticised Bruno Fernandes for a stupid decision after the midfielder gifted Barcelona a penalty in their Europa League tie.
Fernandes was adjudged to have pulled back Alejandro Balde in the penalty area by the referee.
Robert Lewandowski just converted the penalty with his effort being pushed onto the post be David de Gea, before bouncing into the net.
Schmeichel, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, bemoaned Fernandes’ decision making in a big game.
‘It looks like a penalty,’ Schmeichel said. ‘It is so stupid to pull a man down inside the penalty area in a situation where Alejandro Balde is going away from goal.
‘We are talking about big games, the one thing you have to eradicate is mistakes.
‘Bruno Fernandes is still arguing, he needs to get a grip of himself, he has played a couple of sloppy passes.
‘Now he has given away the penalty and he owes the team.’
BT Sport pundit Paul Scholes agreed with the decision to award the penalty.
The Manchester United legend suggested Fernandes had knocked Balde off balance.
‘I think there is just about enough contact,’ Scholes said. ‘I know it does not look like much, but when you get touched on the arm like that, it does send you off balance.
‘I don’t think the lad has cheated one bit. It is a little bit too much contact. I can understand why the referee has given it.
Scholes fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves added ‘I think once he has made contact it is hard to let go as you are kind of holding on to someone.
‘It was their first shot on target, the game was in the balance.’
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
