In the Saturday FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City, Victor Lindelof was struck by a projectile thrown from the crowd as Manchester United celebrated their equalizer. Manchester United ultimately lost 2-1.
Bruno Fernandes’ first-half penalty was sandwiched by City captain Ilkay Gundogan’s brace, with the first goal by the German taking just 13 seconds to score.
Even though the penalty awarded to the Red Devils was highly disputed, United did well to respond before halftime. Despite appearing to have his arms in a natural posture, Jack Grealish was given a handball penalty.
Gundogan restored the lead for Pep Guardiola’s team early in the second half, and they held on to win the club’s seventh FA Cup and maintain their treble hopes.
Before halftime, however, there were unpleasant incidents when it appeared that United defender Victor Lindelof was struck in the face by a green object that was thrown from the City fans’ area of the stadium, in front of whom United was celebrating its equalizer.
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas commented on the incident for the BBC, saying, “Something’s been thrown and it’s hit Lindelof, you don’t want to see that. You don’t want to see this, but we have a fantastic game on our hands.
Peter Schmeichel, a former goalkeeper with the Red Devils, added: “That is just terrible. Not good. I’m not blaming Manchester City — someone is to blame — but this is the Manchester City end, they were celebrating in front of the home crowd, and they ought to be large and successful enough to know that a draw is acceptable.
They shouldn’t respond in that way. That is awful, and there ought to be consequences. I really hope they get down whoever did that.
Following the conclusion of their season, United players will now take a break, while City will play one final game when they travel to Istanbul to play Inter Milan in the Champions League final the following Saturday. City is aiming to win the prestigious trophy for the first time and become the second team in history to win a treble.
