Jose Mourinho was sent off as his Fenerbahce side came from behind to condemn his old club Manchester United to a third successive Europa League draw in Istanbul.
United had led at the break through Christian Eriksen’s fourth goal of the season.
But the hosts levelled four minutes after the restart when Youssef En-Nesyri got between United defenders to head home Allan Saint-Maximin’s cross from close range.
With the noise levels rising and excitement at fever pitch, Mourinho was red carded by French referee Clement Turpin just before the hour as he led the home side’s penalty claims after Bright Osayi-Samuel went down under a challenge by United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
Despite furious protests from the Fenerbahce bench, VAR backed up Turpin’s view there was nothing illegal about the incident and Turpin came to the technical area to tell Mourinho to leave. The Portuguese took his time but eventually relocated to the steps at the front of the stand next to the dugouts, close enough to continue to give instructions to his coaching staff.
United had their chances to win the game but substitute Rasmus Hojlund opted to go alone rather than play a pass to the better placed Alejandro Garnacho and his shot rolled harmlessly through to home goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. Then Garnacho lost control of the ball as he ran into the area and that chance went begging too.
The visitors also failed to avoid another injury issue, as manager Erik ten Hag had hoped, as Brazilian wide-man Antony was stretchered off when he landed awkwardly after attempting an unnecessary flick by the touchline.