Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg was in disbelief from a decision he saw in United’s six-goal thriller against Brighton.
Manchester United beat Brighton 4-2 in a nail-biting finish at Old Trafford, with two goals scored in added time. The Red Devils secured three successive victories in the Premier League for the first time under Rúben Amorim.
The summer signings delivered, with Bryan Mbeuemo scoring a brace and Matheus Cunha being awarded player of the match, after opening his account for United with a well-taken goal.
Brighton pulled two back late in the second half courtesy of two set-pieces, a Danny Welbeck free-kick against his former side and a powerful header from Charalampos Kostoulas. However, Mbuemo’s second goal in the 97th minute eased United fans’ nerves, putting the game to bed.
United looked largely the better side throughout the game, despite missing both Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. The two were crucial against Liverpool at Anfield, but Maguire wasn’t fit enough for selection, while Mount could only make the bench.
But before any goal was scored, there was a VAR decision that infamous PL referee Mark Clattenburg picked up on after the game.
Clattenburg names Amad decision as “clear error”
At 0-0, Amad went down in the penalty area after being brought down by Maxim De Cuyper, but the decision was waved away by Anthony Taylor.
Although clear contact was made between the two players, VAR did not overturn the decision, which left ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg dumbfounded.
Speaking to United in Focus, Clattenburg said: “I am still not sure how Anthony Taylor or the VAR failed to spot a clear foul by Maxim De Cuyper on Amad Diallo.
“It was a clear trip inside the penalty area, and a penalty kick should have been awarded. This was a clear error from the referee, and the VAR should have recommended a review.”
The “clear error” from Taylor could’ve caused serious concern if it hadn’t been for the brilliance of United’s new signings. Cunha and Mbeumo took most of the plaudits on Saturday evening, but Casemiro was also impressive, scoring from range due to a large deflection.
PL issues statement on controversial penalty decision
The Premier League released a statement arguing that ‘De Cuyper played the ball’, which is why VAR did not intervene and why Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty to United. However, this has left many football fans confused, as there was clear contact from De Cuyper, which usually would have resulted in a penalty.
Thankfully, United players were not distracted by this controversial decision as Cuhna went on to score just minutes after the event.
Read more: Owen Hargreaves offers huge praise for two ‘fabulous’ Manchester United stars after Brighton win
The decision further shows the inconsistencies of VAR, which have awarded penalties for much softer decisions this season. An on-field review of the tackle should have been carried out by Taylor, which may have provided United with an even earlier lead in the match.
Amorim remained quiet on the decision as usual, but I’m sure he was frustrated that his side didn’t have the chance to score another goal in a dominant first-half performance.
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