The Premier League have released a statement confirming why Tyler Adams has not been sent off against Manchester United during their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Rasmus Højlund rescued Rúben Amorim with a stoppage-time equaliser as Manchester United battled to a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon on the south coast.
United started the match determined to match Bournemouth’s tempo and physical edge, but it was the home side who broke through first, with Antoine Semenyo finding the net shortly after the 20-minute mark.
Despite pushing forward, United struggled to make their chances count, with Alejandro Garnacho missing a couple of opportunities, and Andoni Iraola’s team went into the break with the advantage.
The second half saw United channelling much of their play through Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu down the left wing, but it wasn’t until the 70th minute that the momentum shifted, when Evanilson was sent off following a challenge on Noussair Mazraoui.
United kept pressing as chances fell to Chido Obi and Mason Mount, and it was Rasus Højlund who finally found the leveller in the sixth minute of stoppage time to salvage a point for Amorim’s men.
Premier League release statement on VAR decision
While Semenyo was the man who gave the home side their advantage against Amorim’s men, moments before, Tyler Adams was subject to a possible VAR red card check. He slipped and flew into a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho, catching the player with his foot and his studs up.
Despite the United winger being in clear pain, VAR took a look at the challenge and deemed it not worthy of a red card, with Adams instead being shown a yellow. The incident in the 21st minute was immediately called into question by United fans, as it looked as if it may be serious foul play.
However, the Premier League have confirmed that although the challenge was deemed as reckless, it was not deemed to be serious foul play, and therefore not a red card offence.
“The referee’s call of yellow card for the challenge by Adams on Garnacho was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed reckless and not serious foul play,” their statement on X read.
Verdict given on red card challenge
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Former Southampton defender Francis Benali was in agreement with the eventual decision from those at Stockley Park.
“It’s not the worst challenge we have seen. What goes against Tyler Adams is he’s airborne for a split second,” Benali said.
“He didn’t go with his studs showing, and he has played the ball. I think that’s a strong attempt to play the ball.”
However, fans have pointed out that had the challenge been made by either Casemiro or Lisandro Martínez, the outcome might have been different.
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