Bournemouth have launched an appeal against a moment during their 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Rasmus Højlund spared Rúben Amorim’s side with a dramatic late equaliser as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon on the south coast.
United began the contest trying to match Bournemouth’s energy and physicality, but it was the hosts who landed the first blow, with Antoine Semenyo scoring just after the 20-minute mark.
Although United pushed for a response, Alejandro Garnacho was unable to take advantage of a few half-chances, and Andoni Iraola’s men went into the interval a goal to the good.
In the second half, much of United’s attacking play was directed through Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu on the left, though the match saw a major turning point in the 70th minute when Evanilson was sent off for a tackle on Noussair Mazraoui.
Late chances fell to Chido Obi and Mason Mount, and it was Højlund who finally delivered, scoring deep into added time to secure a valuable point for Amorim’s side.
Iraola slams Evanilson red card decision
While Amorim was keen to point out that he thought his United team created chances throughout the 90-minute performance, the red card Evanilson received in the second half was undoubtedly a significant turning point in the tie.
Speaking after the full-time result, just moments after Højlund notched his equaliser, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola did not shy away from ripping into the decision.
“Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense,” Iraola said on Sky Sports. “In the first half, Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.
“Common sense. Everyone who has played football understands. He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high, and the consequence is a red card. It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge.”
Iraola was also told that there were suggestions VAR did not mention to the referee that there was a slip from Evanilson before the tackle, to which the Spaniard replied: “If you are telling me that, then it is something very serious. It is difficult for us.”
Bournemouth lodge official red card appeal
In the aftermath of the result that has left Bournemouth scrambling to try and secure European football next season, the club have now taken official action against the decision.
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With the red card having been given for serious foul play, Evanilson is currently set to serve a three-match ban, meaning he would miss the Cherries’ fixtures against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City.
However, according to Sky Sports, the south coast club have now launched an official appeal against the red card decision and subsequent ban.
Bournemouth believe the accidental nature in the build-up to the challenge is a mitigating circumstance that should see the three-match ban dismissed, and they will find out whether they have been successful later this week.
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