Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United have been told they were unfortunate not to be playing against 10 men in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
The match at Old Trafford saw Arsenal dominate possession, but United created the better chances.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring with a lovely free-kick before Declan Rice’s late equaliser rescued a point for the visitors.
However, one controversial incident in the second half could have had a major impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho was left on the ground following a challenge involving Arsenal’s makeshift centre-forward Mikel Merino and Casemiro.
While the battle for possession initially seemed innocuous, replays showed that Merino had stepped down the back of Garnacho’s leg.
An action that has led to red cards in other situations.
Former referee weighs in on the decision
Despite the apparent foul, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes the incident did not warrant a sending-off.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher explained:
“I think the referee, if he is going to give anything, would be a yellow card.
“It doesn’t look good but I don’t think it is a red card.
“You see Casemiro gives him a kick as well, so he gets booted by two players.
“It is unfortunate that the ball gets tangled up.
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“Sometimes it is almost best for the referee in that situation [to let play continue].
“What does help Garnacho is that Merino stands on his boot and not his ankle.”
Arsenal also felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Ayden Heaven’s arm made contact with the ball inside the box.
However, Gallagher was quick to dismiss those claims as well.
“He heads it onto his own arm and then goes to clear the ball but not a penalty, it can’t be given for that,” he insisted.
“Nobody will give a penalty for that.”
With Manchester United battling for a much-needed victory, the refereeing decisions on the night could have had a significant impact on the final result.
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