AGF keeper questions red card after Champions League qualifier loss

AGF's hopes of reaching the Champions League took a significant blow as goalkeeper Jesper Hansen received a red card in the 35th minute of their qualifying match against Polish side Lech Poznan. The Danish club went on to lose the home leg 1-4, a result heavily influenced by playing a man down.

“

He (the referee) believes that his (the opponent's) touch means that I 100 percent deny an obvious goal. And 100 percent? That's a bit much, I think.

Hansen, who was instrumental in AGF's league success last season, was dismissed for handling the ball outside the penalty area. However, the veteran goalkeeper believes the decision was overly harsh. "He (the referee) believes that his (the opponent's) touch means that I 100 percent deny an obvious goal. And 100 percent? That's a bit much, I think," Hansen told Viaplay.

He acknowledged touching the ball outside the box but questioned the referee's certainty that he prevented a clear goal-scoring chance. "I don't agree that it's 100 percent, because it's hard to assess how it would have been if I hadn't touched the ball in the situation. It's hard to predict," he added.

“

I don't agree that it's 100 percent, because it's hard to assess how it would have been if I hadn't touched the ball in the situation. It's hard to predict.

Despite being down to 10 men, AGF managed to pull a goal back early in the second half, briefly sparking hope. However, Lech Poznan extended their lead to 3-1 with a long-range strike. "We got belief in the second half, and then he blasted it in from 40 meters. Then you are checkmated," said AGF defender Frederik Tingager. The return leg is scheduled for next Wednesday in Poland.

“

We got belief in the second half, and then he blasted it in from 40 meters. Then you are checkmated.