Manchester United lost out on another win after dubious refereeing decisions against Bournemouth, and it isn’t the first time Stuart Attwell has caused controversy while officiating the Red Devils.
Against Bournemouth, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire was sent off at 2-1 which handed the Cherries side an equaliser and left Michael Carrick’s side on the back foot.
This decision left Bruno Fernandes infuriated considering it was no worse than the foul on Amad at the other end of the pitch before Bournemouth’s first goal, which should have been a penalty and potentially 2-0 to United.
Both instances were so similar that they should have had the same result given or not given. But Stuart Attwell instead gave the Cherries a penalty but not United.
Attwell has been slammed since then by several United figures. But looking back, this isn’t the first time he’s cost United.
Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League
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Stuart Attwell ruled out Manchester United goal against Burnley as well
Attwell’s decision to deny Amad a stonewall penalty was concerning, made worse by his track record of officiating United games and poor refereeing in these games.
Back in January, United drew 2-2 with Burnley but it should have been a 3-2 win just like the draw with Bournemouth should have really been.
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Attwell ruled out a Lisandro Martinez goal after Kyle Walker fell to the ground, however, it was considered very soft given football is supposed to be a contact sport.
After the game, the PGMOL stated that United had been wronged, and now two and a half months later, Attwell has once again cost the Red Devils three points.
Four additional points this season would have United 11 points clear of Chelsea right now, and if this ends up proving costly then Attwell needs to be accountable.
Should Michael Carrick be cut some slack because of the decisions that went against Man United?
Manchester United were awarded one penalty vs Bournemouth but denied another just before the equaliser…
Michael Carrick comments on penalty decision in Manchester United vs Bournemouth.
Credit: Getty Images.
Attwell criticisms at United stretch back to 2021
Consistently costing one club with poor decisions is a trend that United cannot ignore and allow to continue. Because it isn’t just two examples, but also stretches back to 2021.
Speaking after a 0-0 draw with Chelsea in 2021, Luke Shaw told Sky Sports that he had overheard Atwell admit he was wrong not to award United a penalty in this game.
This was after a Callum Hudson-Odoi hand-ball, which Atwell told Maguire he wouldn’t give as a penalty because it would create talk, which is never a reason for a high level referee to not give a decision.
These three instances are a growing argument against Attwell taking charge of United games, and there are likely to be even more examples.
Something the PGMOL needs to look into.
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