Former England shot-stopper Paul Robinson believes Manchester United were robbed of a Stonewall penalty in the first half of their match against Brighton & Hove Albion, and Premier League MatchCentre has released a statement explaining the controversial decision. Amad fell inside the Seagulls’ box following a challenge from Brighton’s Maxim de Kuiper, but no penalty was awarded despite there being clear contact and no defenders were able to get close to the ball.
Ruben Amorim’s side are aiming for a hat-trick of consecutive wins following wins over Sunderland and Liverpool. Last weekend’s 2-1 win at Anfield marked the first consecutive Premier League wins under the Portuguese manager. However, frustration mounted during the first 45 minutes against Fabian Hürzeler’s side at Old Trafford after the Red Devils were denied a spot-kick.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not point to the penalty spot, much to Robinson’s vehement opposition. “I don’t know why it wasn’t given to me,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “That should be a penalty for Manchester United.
“That was the referee’s mistake. I wasn’t concerned about (Maxim de Kuiper’s touch with the ball) at all.”
Taylor’s decision on M16 was upheld by VAR. A statement from the Premier League Match Center account on social media platform X said: “The referee’s no-penalty call for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR and De Kuiper was deemed to have played the ball.”
The controversial move likely energized Amorim’s men and United broke the deadlock shortly after with Matheus Cunha.
It was his first goal since joining the Red Devils from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer. United managed to double their lead before the interval, with Casemiro’s deflected shot giving them some much-needed breathing room and they went into half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Victory would see Amorim’s side move into the top four ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Brentford on Saturday night.
