Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United battles for possession with Calvin Bassey of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England.placeholder image
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United battles for possession with Calvin Bassey of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England. | Getty Images
Fulham drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League the game was not without controversy
The visitors missed a penalty in the first half as Bruno Fernandes skied the ball over the bar from 12 yards. The spot-kick was given to the Red Devils after VAR got involved to highlight a foul from Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount as the pair tussled in the penalty area.
Chris Kavanagh awarded the penalty after consulting his pitch-side monitor as he announced the decision to the stadium. There was frustration in the home ranks as Luke Shaw was grappling with Rodrigo Muniz at the same time but Bassey was alleged to have committed his foul first.
"Shaw has two arms round his opponent in a holding action at the same time as Bassey does. So a penalty seems harsh."
Calvin Bassey makes strength claim as he reflects on penalty
Bassey believes the difference in size and strength made his tussle with Mount look worse than it was. He did concede he probably used too much force as he said after the game: "Looking back maybe a bit too much force. One of those ones I have got to protect myself and get in a position to attack the ball.
"You have seen them given and you have seen them not.
"When you look at everything back in slo-mo, it is always going to be a foul.
"The ref has to take into consideration the difference in strength. If someone is my size, it doesn't look as bad."
Fulham’s frustration over the award of the penalty was only heightened when Leny Yoro headed in the opening goal of the match to put United in front.
Calvin Bassey fuming at Man Utd goal
Yoro’ssecond-half goal came as he pushed Bassey on the back to beat the defender to the ball and head home. Fulham boss Marco Silva was seen remonstrating with the fourth official about the decision.
Reacting afterwards, Bassey said: "For me, it is clear and obvious. He has got two hands in the back and he (Yoro) has created an advantage for himself.
"If there is no contact, I get up there and fight with him. He has clearly stopped me from getting to the ball. For me, it should clearly be a foul."
Fulham managed to claim a point as Emile Smith-Rowe scored the equaliser on 73 minutes. Up next is a midweek clash with Bristol City in the second round of the Carabao Cup as they then take on Chelsea in a West London derby on Saturday at 12.30pm.
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