Manchester United have been told that the Premier League ‘failed’ during their defeat to Arsenal after Mark Clattenberg’s savage verdict on the only goal of the match.
Manchester United controlled large parts of their game against Arsenal but were ultimately beaten after Riccardo Calafiori’s header sealed the win.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha stood out as United’s most effective players, with Cunha controversially denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in another match marred by questionable refereeing.
Arsenal’s decisive set-piece also sparked debate, as William Saliba was seen backing into Altay Bayındır while holding onto his arm during the corner.
Although many felt the goalkeeper should have dealt with the situation better, it is undeniable that the Arsenal defender has no intention of going for the ball with his action.
Clattenberg delivers savage verdict on Arsenal goal
United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed after the game that the squad was told this summer that this type of challenge would be punished more this season.
Arsenal were the team that took advantage of this the most last term and they have already started doing the same again.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has spoken on the issue and suggested that PGMOL have ‘failed’ by not disallowing Arsenal’s goal.
“In real time, I did not see any problem with Arsenal’s goal, but when you watch it in slow motion you can see Mason Mount was having his shirt pulled and Bayindir was being impeded while challenging for the ball,” the former referee said.
“PGMOL said they would punish more this type of challenge, but again they failed.”
Amorim wants United to copy Arsenal
It is a shame that a game at the highest level of football is ultimately decided by a player who has been tasked with cheating, simply because they know they won’t be punished.
Arsenal scored plenty of times from this exact instance last term, were told that things would change for the upcoming season, and have already scored from that same tactic.
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Ruben Amorim’s comments should concern the officials too, as he simply said that his team must start doing the same as Arsenal.
Teams quite literally want to start cheating because it is never being punished, and it is just one of many issues surrounding Premier League referees.
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