Jose Mourinho was sent off as his Fenerbahce team staged a comeback to hand his former club, Manchester United, a third consecutive Europa League draw in Istanbul.
United had taken the lead before halftime with Christian Eriksen’s fourth goal of the season.
However, the hosts equalized just four minutes into the second half when Youssef En-Nesyri slipped between United’s defenders to head in a close-range cross from Allan Saint-Maximin.
As noise levels soared and excitement peaked, Mourinho received a red card from French referee Clement Turpin just before the hour mark, following his vocal protests for a penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down under a challenge from United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
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Despite heated objections from the Fenerbahce bench, VAR supported Turpin’s decision that the incident was not a foul. Turpin approached the technical area to instruct Mourinho to leave. The Portuguese manager took his time but eventually moved to the steps at the front of the stands near the dugouts, staying close enough to continue giving instructions to his coaching staff.
United had their chances to win the game but substitute Rasmus Hojlund opted to go on alone rather than play a pass to the better placed Alejandro Garnacho and his shot rolled harmlessly through to home goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Then Garnacho lost control of the ball as he ran into the area and that chance went begging too.
The visitors also failed to avoid another injury issue, as manager Erik ten Hag had hoped, as Brazilian wide-man Antony was stretchered off when he landed awkwardly after attempting an unnecessary flick by the touchline.
