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Louis van Gaal says Robert Huth's FA ban proves point about penalty

Leicester defender Robert Huth appears to pull the hair of Marouane Fellaini during the game at Old Trafford.
Image: Robert Huth and Marouane Fellaini have been given three-match bans

Louis van Gaal has reiterated his belief that Manchester United should have had a penalty in their match with Leicester City after Marouane Fellaini and Robert Huth were banned for three matches.

Fellaini and Huth will sit out three games each with immediate effect after accepting FA violent conduct charges for their scuffle during Leicester's 1-1 draw at Manchester United last Sunday.

Fellaini swung an arm at Huth after the City defender pulled his hair and the FA verdict is proof there should have been a spot-kick, according to Van Gaal.

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He said: "We don't have appeal. I said already that the reaction of Fellaini was a human one. When the FA gives Huth a suspension of three matches, then they admit it was a penalty.

"For us it is very disappointing that the referee did not see that fact. I still believe Fellaini reacts like a human. He has to control himself better that is true. But when you stick someone by the hair this will always happen."

(EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Manager Louis van Gaal of Manchester United
Image: Louis van Gaal insists Manchester United should have had a penalty

Van Gaal admits his side will have to win three games in a row if they are to retain any hope of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

United are four points adrift of Manchester City, who are in fourth place and host Arsenal on Sunday. Van Gaal takes his side to Norwich on Saturday and then West Ham in midweek before they round off their campaign against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

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He said: "I haven't given the players any extra time off this week, they had three days off the week before to refresh them but I can't always do that.

Cameron Jerome of Norwich City celebrates scoring their first goal against Manchester United
Image: Norwich City won at Old Trafford earlier this season

"It depends on the team how they will react. We have done it many times, showing spirit, but we now have to win three in a row. We are second best in home matches but 10th away, so we need to improve against Norwich then West Ham.

"It is always hard to fight against a relegation-threatened side, but that's no excuse. We have to cope with that, they  won at Old Trafford so it will be tough."

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