Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has given a clear verdict on the penalty and red card incident during Manchester United’s win over Crystal Palace.
Manchester United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Old Trafford and climb to third in the Premier League table on Sunday afternoon.
That comeback started when Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix dragged Matheus Cunha down in the box.
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Referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot and VAR did not intervene, only taking time to check that the foul did take place inside the 18-yard box.
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Mark Clattenburg explains view on Maxence Lacroix red card
Not only did Lacroix concede a penalty that let United back in the game, but Palace’s goalscorer was also shown a straight red card for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
United in Focus spoke exclusively to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg about the incident and his stance is clear:
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“Matheus Cunha of Manchester United runs into the box and goes to ground after a pull from Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace. The contact started inside the penalty area and the defender still had a hand on the attacker’s shoulder inside the area,” Clattenburg said.
“The referee was well within his rights to award a penalty kick and, as the attacker had a goalscoring opportunity and the defender was not making an attempt to play the ball, Lacroix was correctly sent from the field of play.
“Once the referee awards the penalty, there is no way the VAR would overturn this.”
Bruno Fernandes reveals referee conversation for Man Utd incident
As United’s captain and penalty taker, the Portuguese playmaker naturally found himself in conversation with Kavanagh about the decision at Old Trafford.
After the full-time whistle, Fernandes revealed to Sky Sports what the referee said to him about the VAR process.
“The referee told me straight away that it was a penalty, but he was trying to determine if it was a red card,” Fernandes said.
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“We know that when it is a push or pull and no intention to go for the ball, it is a red card.”
Clattenburg’s explanation backs up what Fernandes is saying and justifies why United were given a penalty and why Lacroix was subsequently sent off.
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