Dorgu’s ability to stay composed and professional, even in heated situations, was praised.
Image credit: Morgan
Patrick Dorgu displayed remarkable sportsmanship in Manchester United’s 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad.
With United leading 2-1 on the night, they were awarded a third penalty when referee Benoit Bastien ruled Dorgu had been fouled.
However, the 20-year-old signaled to the referee that there was no foul.
VAR confirmed his honesty, overturning the decision. United still progressed with two more goals, but Dorgu’s act of integrity stole the spotlight.
Amorim: ‘I’m Proud of Him’
🚨🗣 – Ruben Amorim on Patrick Dorgu telling the referee that it wasn't a penalty:
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) March 13, 2025
"It's a good thing. I'm proud of him, but I don't know if I'd say the same if the score was different.
"A good performance from him. He got stronger during the match." pic.twitter.com/G6tVbeFAhf
United boss Ruben Amorim praised Dorgu’s honesty, stating:
“It’s a good thing. I’m proud of him. I cannot say if it’s 0-0 or [we are] losing if I have the same response.”
Other Iconic Moments of Sportsmanship
Football has seen many acts of fair play over the years. Here are some of the most memorable:
Robbie Fowler vs. Arsenal (1997)
Fowler was awarded a penalty after going down under a challenge from David Seaman. He protested to the referee that there was no foul, but the decision stood.
Fowler took a weak penalty, which was saved, though his teammate scored the rebound. He later received a commendation from UEFA for his honesty.
Nwankwo Kanu & Arsenal vs. Sheffield United (1999)
After a Sheffield United player was injured, Arsenal was expected to return the ball to them. Kanu, unaware of the custom, instead set up a goal for Marc Overmars.
Arsène Wenger, in a gesture of fair play, offered a rematch, which Arsenal won again.
Paolo Di Canio vs. Everton (2000)
Everton’s goalkeeper was injured and out of position when a cross came in. nstead of scoring in the empty net, Di Canio caught the ball to stop play.
He received a FIFA Fair Play Award for his gesture.
Leicester vs. Nottingham Forest (2007)
Their initial match was abandoned while Forest was leading 1-0 after a player collapsed.
In the rematch, Leicester allowed Forest to score an uncontested goal to restore fairness.
Leicester went on to win 3-2.
Miroslav Klose vs. Napoli (2012)
Klose scored a goal for Lazio using his hand.
Despite no immediate call from the referee, he admitted the handball, and the goal was overturned.
Each of these moments, like Dorgu’s, showed that honesty and fair play can take precedence over competitive advantage in football.
Dorgu now joins this elite list of players whose honesty transcended competition.