Andre Onana copies Emiliano Martinez after escaping red card after receiving a second yellow in penalty shoot-out win over Coventry… with the Man United goalkeeper set to AVOID suspension for the FA Cup final

Andre Onana became the second goalkeeper this week to avoid being sent off despite receiving a second yellow card, as Manchester United overcame Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on penalties.

The Cameroonian goalkeeper was initially cautioned in the 85th minute for delaying the restart from a goal-kick, when Coventry were trying to find an equaliser at 3-2.

He was also booked in the penalty shootout for arguing with the referee Robert Jones – but he was able to stay on the pitch.

IFAB rule 10.3 states that bookings picked up during the regulation match are not carried through to penalty shootouts – but players who pick up a red card cannot return to be involved. 

It also means that Onana will not be suspended for the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City on May 25.  

Onana was also cautioned in the shootout, but was not sent off because of a little-known rule

A similar situation applied to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Maritnez in midweek at Lille

The same rule received a little more attention when Emiliano Martinez was not dismissed during Aston Villa‘s Europa Conference League victory over Lille despite being booked in the game and the penalty shootout. 

However, Villa’s Argentinian shot-stopper will miss the semi-final first leg after acquiring three yellow cards across the tournament, including the two in Lille. 

Speaking after the game on Thursday, Martinez said: ‘It’s all about reputation because the other goalie was doing exactly the same thing [time wasting in normal play].

‘I got a yellow after 30 minutes and we were losing the game so I don’t know what the ref wants from me.

‘Then there was no ball on the penalty spot during the shoot out. I was asking for a ball from the ball boy and I get booked. I just don’t understand the rules.’

Man United beat Coventry in a penalty shootout, after letting a three goal lead slip away

Manchester United defeated Coventry City 4-2 in a penalty shootout, but only after letting a three goal lead slip away in the final 20 minutes of the game. 

Manchester City await in the final on May 25, which will be a repeat of last year’s showpiece, which was won by Pep Guardiola’s side as part of their treble season.