Football Classic: Van Gaal 'diving' in protest of refereeing decision

Published on: 27 May 2020

On February 28th, 2016, Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2 at home. In the middle of the match, Van Gaal vehemently disagreed with a refereeing decision late in the second half and subsequently protested with fourth official Mike Dean.

Van Gaal, bizarrely, threw himself on the floor in the manner of a diving player, lay on his back and continued to glare at Dean, which drew roars of laughter from the Old Trafford crowd.

Dean, not one to be swayed by the rants and raves of an enraged coach on the touchline, was unmoved, so the Dutchman decided to enact a reconstruction.

It has gone down as one of the Premier League's most peculiar moments in history. Indeed, we may never really know what Van Gaal was trying to achieve.

Twitter users tried to figure it out…

Louis van Gaal then revealed he apologised to referee Craig Pawson after his theatrical protests on the touchline. The Dutchman explained he had been guilty of letting his emotions get the better of him during the 3-2 victory and felt the need to apologise to the officials after the final whistle.

He said: "That was too emotional because at that time you are little bit too emotional because it is not good for the referee, the linesman, the fourth referee.

"I was emotional. It happens not too much. Normally I am sitting on my bench and I have a lot of criticism because I am sitting on my bench. I have apologised to the referee and the linesman. I have to control my emotions.”

Source: m.allfootballapp.com

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