MANCHESTER UNITED overcame a first-half red card for Dominique Janssen to close out a 1-0 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Man Utd ace Fridolina Rolfo fired in a close-range volley to give the visitors a 24th-minute lead and maintain the Red Devils’ perfect start in the competition.
Janssen, 30, was then shown a red card before the break following a VAR review into her sliding challenge on Gio Garbelini, who was taken off on a stretcher.
United fans were left gobsmacked by the decision as they stormed social media in shock.
One supporter tweeted: “That was the worst red card I have ever seen.”
Another commented: “Am I missing something?”
A third wrote: “Such a terrible decision.”
This fan said: “Not in a million years.”
And that one posted: “Game’s gone.”
Atletico also finished the match with 10 players after defender Alexia Fernandez collected a second yellow card with 15 minutes left.
Marc Skinner’s side – missing Jess Park because of concussion – had made a positive start at the Centro Deportivo Alcala de Henares.
Ella Toone sent a curling effort just wide inside the opening 20 seconds before Rolfo then fired over.
Atletico broke on a counter attack down the right in the 16th minute, but Fiamma Iannuzzi’s side-foot shot was blocked by United captain Maya Le Tissier.
United went in front in the 24th minute when Rolfo crashed home a volley at the back post after Julia Zigiotti Olme had swung the ball in from the right.
Melvine Malard then stabbed her low shot just wide after darting into the penalty area.
United – who had beaten Valerenga in their opening Champions League match – were reduced to 10 players in the 37th minute.
Janssen was initially shown a yellow card after clattering into Garbelini just outside the box on the right.
Sent off
However, with the Brazilian down and needing treatment, Greek referee Eleni Antoniou was advised to review the sliding tackle from behind – which she decided had in fact merited a red card.
Following a lengthy stoppage, Garbelini was eventually carried off on a stretcher with what looked a serious ankle injury.
Atletico – who thrashed St Polten 6-0 in their opening European fixture, but then lost to domestic rivals Barcelona by the same score last weekend – made a strong start to the second half.
Synne Jensen sent a low shot wide before United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce tipped over a fierce strike from Brazilian midfielder Luany.
Atletico were then also down to 10 players when full-back Fernandez collected a second yellow card in the 74th minute for a foul on United substitute Leah Galton.
Malard broke clear late on and drove into the Atletico penalty box but then clipped a low strike just wide.
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