Athletic Club vs Arsenal referee sparked Man Utd anger with three controversial calls

The referee for Arsenal's Champions League match against Athletic Club, Donatas Rumsas, has previously been embroiled in controversy with Manchester United.

The Lithuanian official was in charge of the Red Devils' Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen back in November 2023. United were defeated 4-3 at the Parken Stadium. Then managed by Erik ten Hag, United were leading 2-0 and looked set for a crucial win until Marcus Rashford was sent off for a tackle on Elias Jelert following a VAR review.

Rumsas found himself under scrutiny again later in the match. He was called to the pitch-side monitor twice more, awarding a penalty to each team for handball on both occasions.

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Rumsas' decisions ignited debate and frustration from Ten Hag and the pundits on TNT Sports. Following the match, which resulted in United finishing last in their Champions League group, Ten Hag expressed his disappointment.

The Dutchman said: "I'm very disappointed about such decisions. The game is never meant to be like this. This has nothing to do with football.

"I think first we played very good until the red card. The red card changed everything. Then it becomes a different game. It is a harsh decision; he was going for the ball. The review was over, then he went up to the screen. I think the referee was not sure."

Former United star Owen Hargreaves labelled Rumsas' handball decisions as "soft" during his analysis. Paul Scholes, another ex-United player, expressed his dissatisfaction with Rashford's dismissal, adding: "In real time it's just not a red."

However, Robbie Savage, who was providing co-commentary, had a different view on Rashford's red card. The former Wales midfielder argued: "That for me is a red card.

"Initially, I thought he just turned, but I think that is a red card. When you see it from that other angle, he has gone to protect the ball. By doing that he has stamped on his shin and that is 100 per cent a red card."

Rusmas has a record of issuing 22 yellow cards and three reds across the seven Champions League matches he has refereed. Arsenal will be aiming to kick off their Champions League journey on a high against the Spanish side, having reached the semi-final last year, only to lose to the eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Rumsas remains out of the spotlight this time in Tuesday's match, which commences at 5.45pm UK time at the Estadio de San Mames.