Marcus Rashford has released a statement following a video circulating around social media which shows him reacting after being heckled by fans. Watch the incident unfold below:
The Manchester United forward came on as a sub in yesterday's (15 March) Champions League exit to Atletico Madrid in a 1-0 defeat (2-1 on aggregate).
The footballer, who has seemingly lost his form this season, looked to be walking towards the carpark after the game, where he was met by fans who appear to be waiting for a photo/signature with some of the players.
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However, after the 24-year-old passed by, one fan shouted: "Come on Rashford," and another added: "After that performance, come on guys."
To which, the frustrated winger, turned round and appeared to stick up his middle finger, directed at the heckling fans.
Marcus has since explained his actions via a statement on Twitter.
He wrote: “A video can paint a thousand words and in this case lead to inaccurate info being shared on social media.
“Guys for weeks I've been heckled, threatened, questioned and last night my emotion got the better of me.
“I’m a human being.
“Reading and hearing that stuff about yourself every day it wears you down.
“No one is more critical of my performance than me. But what you see in this video lacks context.
“I had been heckled from the minute I stepped foot outside the ground, abuse not just aimed at my football.
“People were looking for a reaction from me. Phones were at the ready.
“Of course I should have walked straight past and ignored it, that's what we're supposed to do right?
“I want to clarify 2 things. The first being what I actually said to the man throwing abuse at me which 'come over here and say it to my face' (a fact security can back up) and secondly, the fact I used my forefinger to direct the fan to 'come over and say it to my face'.
“I did not gesture with my middle finger.
“I’m not entitled. This isn't ego. I'm upset. I'm disappointed.
“And in that moment it was silly but I was being human.”
Following yesterday's defeat, United now have zero chance of winning silverware this season, with their last trophy coming in 2017 after Europa League victory.
Topics: Sport, Marcus Rashford
Anish Vij