'Maguire Held On To Okereke's Leg' - Club Brugge Coach Insists They Were Denied A Clear Penalty

Club Brugge coach Philippe Clement has insisted that Dutch referee Serdar Gozübüyük denied his team a clear penalty during Thursday's 5-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Manchester United in the Europa League.

With the scoreboard reading goalless, the visitors should have been awarded a penalty inside the opening five minutes as Harry Maguire fouled David Okereke while the Nigerian striker was going for a rebound.

Perhaps more surprisingly, the video assistant referee did not notify the on-pitch referee to change his decision.

"A very fiery Manchester United gave us a rough start. We conceded two chances, and Simon produced a fine save. Still the game was back in balance after that," said Clement to Club Brugge's official website.

"As from what I heard, we could have been rewarded a spot kick as Maguire held on to Okereke's leg.

"The opportunity for Rits also could have gone in. But unfortunately there was that red card which is also up for dispute."

Club Brugge's most expensive acquisition in history, Okereke made his Europa League debut against Manchester United and was in action for ninety minutes in his first appearance at Old Trafford.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : clubbrugge.be