Premier League release statement on Rasmus Højlund penalty decision vs Man City, Gary Neville in disbelief

The Premier League have released a statement after Rasmus Højlund was denied a penalty following a tussle with Rúben Dias during Manchester United vs Man City.

Manchester United secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with late brilliance from Amad Diallo sealing all three points for Rúben Amorim‘s side in the Premier League clash.

The match began with both teams vying to control possession, but United suffered an early setback as Mason Mount had to be substituted due to injury within the first 15 minutes.

Read More: Manchester United’s five things noticed vs Man City as Roy Keane spells the truth for Rúben Amorim

Joško Gvardiol broke the deadlock for City, rising to meet Kevin de Bruyne’s deflected cross, which perfectly found him after a cleverly worked short corner.

United came out stronger in the second half, seeking to dominate proceedings. However, despite their increased possession, they struggled to create meaningful opportunities as City’s defence held firm. Bruno Fernandes came close to leveling the score with a golden chance in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t find the net.

The breakthrough came courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Amad Diallo. His dazzling footwork won a penalty, which Fernandes calmly converted with just five minutes remaining. United weren’t finished yet.

Lisandro Martínez, showcasing his vision, delivered a sublime pass from deep in defence to send Amad through on goal. The youngster rounded Ederson with composure and slotted home a stunning finish, sealing a dramatic victory in the dying moments.

Højlund’s penalty incident

In the second half, there was an incident between Ramsus Højlund and Rúben Dias where the Danish international was brought down in City’s box.

After chesting the ball towards Ederson’s goal, Højlund attempted to get the better of Dias, and the centre-back thrust himself in between Højlund and the ball, wrapping his left leg around the striker.

Højlund then went down, with Dias not getting a touch before flooring the 21-year-old, but a quick VAR check was made and nothing was given.

The Premier League’s Match Centre explained: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Højlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.”

Neville in disbelief

Reacting to the incident at the time, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville initially said: “It’s clumsy. Just a bit of a coming together as they both try to fall.

“He seemed to step across the Man United striker.”

However, after watching a replay of the incident, Neville then strengthened his position, claiming his former team were unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty kick.

However, this was rebutted, with former Premier League official Mike Dean insisting the referee’s initial call was right.

“His left leg’s come across but it’s more clumsy that anything,” Dean said. “I don’t think that’s enough [to warrant a penalty], not in a game like this.”

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