Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has criticised the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after his side were denied a penalty in Friday's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. The incident occurred moments before Bournemouth's equaliser, when Amad was pulled down in the box by Adrien Truffert. Referee Stuart Attwell waved away appeals, and VAR upheld the decision, stating the contact was not sufficient for a foul.
Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch programme, said United should have been awarded a penalty. 'I think they are both penalties, if you look at them, they are so similar, so on balance, give both,' he said. Gallagher noted that Attwell had a clear view and waved it away immediately, and VAR backed the referee.
United officials are reportedly furious and plan to lodge a formal complaint with the PGMOL. The club believe the decision was a clear error that directly impacted the result. Harry Maguire was later sent off after conceding a penalty for a foul on Evanilson, which Gallagher described as a 'slightly different' incident.
Former striker Jay Bothroyd, also on the show, agreed with Gallagher. 'The referee is in a great position to see it... I can't understand why the referee has not seen that,' he said. Bothroyd called for Attwell to explain his decision publicly, adding that both incidents should have been penalties.
