Senseless red card and extra-time drama in Sarpsborg
The match ended 1-1 between Sarpsborg 08 and Brann, but Henrik Meister looked set to be the big hero in extra time for Sarpsborg 08. A minute into extra time, the striker stepped up to convert a free-kick and put the hosts ahead.
It was Meister’s fifth goal in two games, after he scored four goals against Rosenborg in the previous round.
But Brann responded immediately. Aune Heggebø was free in the box and could easily have equalised for the away side four minutes into stoppage time.
Just minutes before the extra-time drama, Sarpsborg 08 physio Joao Ferreira was shown a red card. He received his first yellow card for delaying play, before shouting at referee Marius Lien and receiving a second yellow card.
– It was a use of words and gestures that I cannot allow, Lien told NRK of Ferreira’s second yellow card.
– I told the referee that it should be us and not him who decide whether we go on the pitch and provide treatment or not. It is up to us to make that decision, Ferreira told NRK.
Shortly after Brann’s substitution, Sarpsborg coach Christian Michelsen also received his second yellow card of the night. Both are to appeal the decision.
Sarpsborg 08 created the biggest chances of the first half, but Brann goalkeeper Mathias Dyngeland kept the visitors in the game with some fine saves.
The visitors improved in the second half. Brann defender Joachim Soltvedt had a chance five yards out from a corner but his finish hit the wall.
Daniel Job for the home team almost took the lead again going into extra time, but Brann held on.
The draw leaves Brann in 2nd place, six points behind Bodø/Glimt. Sarpsborg 08 are in 8th place.
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