Smalling Furious After Last Minute Penalty

Chris Smalling was left furious after a last minute penalty was awarded that actually hit him in the face!

Smalling had been at Man United for nine seasons before securing a loan move to Roma at the start of the season. With United signing Harry Maguire and Tuanzebe returning, playing time was going to be minimal for the centre back.

Since joining Roma, Smalling has made five appearances. He was injured on arrival at Roma so it took longer than expected to make his debut. Smalling has been involved in two clean sheets this season, and last night should have been his third!

His new side took on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Europa League. Roma were leading through a goal from Zaniolo in the 32nd minute. It looked as if this would be enough to secure the three points for the Italian side.

In the last moments of the game a freekick was played into the box. The ball fell to a Monchengladbach player who smashed it towards goal. Smalling came running out and it hit him in the face. Many of the German side’s players appealed and the referee pointed to the spot.

The resulting penalty was scored by Stindl and the game finished 1-1 much to Roma and Smalling’s frustration. Below you can see what Smalling thought of it plus the decision the referee gave.

As you can see it clearly wasn’t a penalty, but the Europa League doesn’t have VAR in it until the final. However, after the week VAR has had, who’s to say they would have got it right! After the game the match officials even confirmed that the decision was wrong.

This result shouldn’t dent their chances of progressing through to the knockout stages too much. They are 16/1 on Betfred to win the Europa Leauge this year. The favourites are Arsenal at 5/1 with Man United just behind them at 11/2.

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