Ferguson Panicked!

When the match reached the thirty-seventh minute and referee Marriner raised a red card high toward Smalling, the entire Old Trafford erupted in boos. Every Manchester United fan was dissatisfied with the decision.

The Manchester United players on the pitch were furious as well. Smalling nearly broke free of Vidić and charged at referee Marriner, clearly having plenty to say about the decision.

It was a foul just outside the penalty area.

Once again, Su Dong had dropped back to receive a pass from a teammate. After combining with David Silva through a series of quick one-touch passes in a tight area, he completed a beautiful move, surged forward with the ball, and headed straight for the penalty area. Smalling was the last defender.

The Manchester United center-back had desperately chased alongside Su Dong, but Su Dong's acceleration was simply too fast. He left Smalling behind almost instantly. If he were allowed to carry the ball into the box, it would be a one-on-one.

Chasing after Su Dong, Smalling made an obvious pulling motion, directly throwing Su Dong off balance and sending him tumbling just outside the penalty area.

Among referees in European football, whenever Su Dong went down inside the box, there was no need to say anything—they awarded a penalty immediately.

This situation seemed to be no different.

Although Su Dong had not fallen inside the penalty area, he had clearly shaken off Smalling before suddenly losing his balance and going down. Smalling had also made an obvious pulling motion. The result was already clear.

After losing control of Su Dong, the Manchester United center-back had decisively chosen to commit a foul.

Unfortunately, he was the last defender.

In other words, his foul had to receive the harshest possible punishment.

A red card!

Ferguson sat in the