Ex-Fulham coach slams Osayi-Samuel for trying to con the referee in Fenerbahce's draw v Man Utd

Former Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen has slammed Bright Osayi-Samuel for trying to con the referee, Clément Turpin into awarding Fenerbahce a penalty during the second half of their 1-1 draw with Manchester United in a UEFA Europa League encounter on Thursday night.

Meulensteen highlighted that the Nigeria international did not deserve a penalty following a challenge by Manuel Ugarte, adding that the referee was not fooled after the right-back went down inside the box.

Jose Mourinho's side squared up against his former employers on matchday three of the UEFA Europa League at the Şükrü Saracoğlu and it was a frustrating evening for the Portuguese tactician.

In the 15th minute, Christian Eriksen gave the Premier League giants the lead, whose effort into the top corner could not be stopped by Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Youssef En Nesyri restored parity for the home side at minute 49, heading Allan Saint-Maximin's cross beyond the reach of African Goalkeeper of the Year nominee André Onana.

Osayi-Samuel got into the Manchester United penalty area and was challenged by Ugarte, but referee Clement Turpin decided against awarding a penalty.

Turpin's decision infuriated the Fenerbahçe bench, who protested against the decision, which led to manager Jose Mourinho being sent off.

Speaking about the incident during his commentary duty with BBC Radio 5 Live, Meulensteen pointed out Osayi-Samuel's reaction to the tackle was exaggerated.

"Osayi-Samuel made a meal of it, and they tried to unsettle the rea feree with the crowd," he said.

"Fenerbahce have to be careful as we have VAR to look at it. The referee got it correct straight away."

On the hour mark, the Super Eagles right back was given a yellow card for a foul and was replaced by Rodrigo Becao to avoid being sent off.

He was sent off in the opening game against Union Saint-Gilloise, which informed his absence in the encounter with FC Twente earlier this month.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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