Manchester United played against A.F.C Bournemouth in Premier League, last Friday. There were two controversial penalty incidents including a debatable red card scene. Former Man United player, Owen Hargreaves has given his verdict regarding the penalty call claim.
What exactly did happen in the match between Manchester United and Bournemouth ?
Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium hosted a Premier League match between the home team and Man United on Friday. It was matchweek 31 and it was crucial for United’s Champions League qualification for next season. The match started in a boring manner. Both the sides were unable to score goals.
In the second half, it was nothing but drama. In the 60th minute, Matheus Cunha was brought down by Cherries’ defender, Alex Jimenez in the penalty box. That was a clear shirt pull. Referee didn’t hesitate to award United the penalty. Bruno Fernandes scored the goal from the penalty spot.
In the 67th minute, Ryan Christie scored an equaliser. Senne Lammens stretched his body to save it but the ball went in. The Red Devils got back their lead through a James Hill’s own goal. It came from a corner situation in the 71st minute and Hill could not head it outside.
Now, the actual scene got created. In the 77th minute, Adrien Truffert was seen to push Amad Diallo in the penalty box. Amad fell down, other United players called for a penalty but referee didn’t stop the play. This incident led to a counter attack by Bournemouth. When the ball reached the other penalty box, Harry Maguire visibly had a contact with Evanilson.
The Brazilian lost his balance and fell down. Referee called for a penalty immediately. VAR was checking the scene in the background and instructed the referee to give it a penalty and show Maguire a red card. Referee Stuart Atwell didn’t go to the T.V. screen to check the situation. Eli Junior Kroupi scored the penalty. The match ended by a margin of 2-2.
What is Owen Hargreaves’ say regarding the penalty and red card situation?
The Amad’s penalty claim incident started the whole scenario. That was not given as a penalty. The Cherries took advantage of the situation and in the run of play they scored the equaliser. That goal came through a penalty.
Former United man, Owen Hargreaves has came to a conclusion that the referee didn’t want to award two penalties to United in a single game. In the post match talk, he said that he felt the push on Amad was a slight touch. He described the force on Amad being vague. Hargreaves even evaluated Maguire’s touch on Evanilson was more prominent than Amad’s case.
He understands that there is no wrong about Maguire getting red card and Bournemouth getting the penalty. Most of the football fan bases have disagreed with the former Man United man. His judgement has been questioned by many.
Manchester United - Man Utd
What is the reaction from Old Trafford regarding this whole situation?
Manchester United has officially lodged a complaint to PGMOL by completing the formal steps, as per sources. The club feels that they have been misjudged. Although, referee Stuart Atwell and VAR officials have given their argument regarding the red card. Maguire was sent off according to DOGSO rule as he denied the opponent from a near-goal opportunity.
Harry Maguire has addressed the situation in his recent Instagram post. He is quite unhappy with the inconsistency in referring in Premier League. Captain, Bruno Fernandes has also spoken about this in post-match interview. He guessed that the it was hard for the referee to give two penalties in a single match.
Author’s Insight
The match referee should have checked the Amad incident on the VAR screen for once. The push on the Ivorian was enough to break his balance. The red card on Maguire is still debatable, but the penalty was justified.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Football Express as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Add as a preferred source on Google
Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a junior football writer who has contributed articles covering key developments in football. His work focuses on match events, player performances, and the narratives that shape discussions among fans and the wider football community.Through his contributions to Football Express, Subhabrata produced football coverage aimed at keeping readers informed about important moments, tactical trends, and evolving storylines. His writing blends clear reporting with analytical insights to deliver engaging and informative content for football enthusiasts.
Recommended for you