Just before Bournemouth equalized in Friday night’s Premier League match, Manchester United were denied a second penalty, resulting in the Red Devils dropping a point.
Stuart Attwell’s decision was criticized during Manchester United vs. Bournemouth draw (Image: Getty Images)
Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has admitted Manchester United should have been awarded a penalty just before Bournemouth’s opener in Friday night’s 2-2 draw. Bruno Fernandes’ opening kick gave United a 1-0 lead before Amad was dragged onto the grass in the box by Adrian Truffert.
Referee Stuart Attwell dismissed the appeal before Ryan Christie equalized. United regained the lead through a James Hill own goal, but Cherries were awarded a penalty when Evanilsson was fouled by Harry Maguire, giving the defender his marching orders.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled that the contact was not sufficient to constitute a foul, but Michael Carrick disputed this. United officials are understood to be “outraged” by the decision and plan to lodge a formal complaint with PGMOL.
read more: Manchester United explain why VAR allowed Bournemouth’s controversial goal after Amad’s penalty decisionread more: Michael Carrick slams referee for ‘astonishing’ call during Manchester United draw
Now, on Sky Sports’ latest Ref Watch programme, Gallagher presented his verdict on the incident, claiming United should have been awarded a second penalty. “I think they’re both penalties. If you look closely, they’re very similar, so on balance you should give them both,” he said.
“This is just a disappointing result. The referee (Stuart Attwell) had the most perfect position. He looked straight at it and in all fairness waved it off immediately. The ball went up to the other end and VAR was still monitoring it when it went into the net.”
“Stuart obviously gave them feedback that it wasn’t good enough to shrug off, it wasn’t a clear mistake, it wasn’t good enough and they supported the referee.”
Harry Maguire’s reaction to being sent off in the draw between Manchester United and Bournemouth (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Referring to Maguire’s red card, Gallagher added: “This is a little bit different. If you look at the two together you can say either they’re both penalties or just one.”
“Whether the referee jumps in either direction, you would expect him to jump twice in the same way. He might think he made a mistake on the first jump and look and think this is a penalty.”
Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd, who appears on the show alongside Gallagher, agreed with the former referee’s views on penalty claims.
“The referee was in the best position to see it. The defender was in the wrong position, he pushed him, but he didn’t exaggerate it, he just lost his balance. I don’t understand why the referee didn’t see it,” he said.
Amad and Manchester United wanted a penalty seconds before Bournemouth equalized (Image: Sky Sports)
“If the Maguire game had happened in the first place, I think they would have given him a second game, but it happened the other way and it’s definitely a penalty. “He added: “I’d like to hear the referee come out and say something about it.
“Nobody likes to see mistakes, but it would be a little bit better if the referee came out and spoke. There was less contact with Amad, but Evanilsson’s first touch put him in that position. Both penalties.”
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