In a tense and closely fought Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Manchester United and Manchester City played out a goalless draw. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversial clash between Casemiro and Mateo Kovacic, igniting frustration among United fans and reigniting long-standing debates about Premier League officiating.
The Controversy:
During the 80th minute, as United pushed for a breakthrough, a corner resulted in a clash between Casemiro and Kovacic in City’s box. Casemiro went down under pressure, leading to loud appeals for a penalty from United players and supporters. Referee Anthony Taylor dismissed the appeals, and the VAR review upheld his decision.
Responses:
The refusal to award a penalty drew sharp criticism:
- Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain, voiced his disbelief: “It’s difficult to understand. We’ve seen penalties given for much less. That was a clear one.”
- Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, called out the lack of consistency: “The inconsistency is frustrating. Players no longer know what qualifies as a foul.”
Fans were vocal online, with one commenting: “The game was great, but how wasn’t that a penalty? It was obvious. The ref wanted fairness but ended up costing United.”
A Pattern of Controversy:
This isn’t the first time United have been at the center of refereeing controversy:
- In March 2023, Casemiro received a straight red card against Southampton for a challenge many felt was unjust. Then-manager Ten Hag pointed out similar tackles that weren’t punished.
- In August 2023, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil got an apology from PGMOL after his side were denied a penalty against United—further highlighting VAR inconsistency.
What’s Next:
The draw leaves United in a difficult spot in the league, with their Champions League hopes uncertain. The club and its fans now look to the Premier League and PGMOL for an explanation and hope for more consistent refereeing going forward.
As the dust settles on yet another controversial Manchester derby, the spotlight remains firmly on the Premier League’s officiating standards.
