Viewers of the FA Cup meeting between Manchester United and Fulham have flooded to social media on Sunday evening, to reveal their frustrations with the ‘inconsistent’ nature of the officiating at the top level of English football.
For those who may have missed it, Erik ten Hag’s United, a short time ago, booked their spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
This came as late goals on the part of Bruno Fernandes (2) and Marcel Sabitzer overturned a surprise deficit, owing to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener early in the 2nd-half at Old Trafford.
And yet, on the back of a chaotic affair in Manchester late on Sunday, it is not the result itself which has taken its place front and centre in the post-match chatter.
Instead, it is the manner in which the hosts’ recovery from a goal down came about.
Fifteen minutes from time, a VAR review culminated in the Red Devils being awarded a deserved spot-kick, for Willian’s hand ball on the goalline.
After the decision was made official, however, all hell broke loose, as not only the Brazilian, but both manager Marco Silva, and teammate Aleksandar Mitrovic, were shown red cards.
This, in turn, opened the door for the affair to be turned firmly on its head, as showcased below:
- Handball by Willian on the goalline
- VAR intervene, penalty given, Marco Silva shown red
- Mitrovic sent off for confronting referee
- Willian sent off
- Fernandes equalises
- Sabitzer puts #MUFC ahead
And, since, it is Mitrovic’s dismissal, in particular, which has given rise to the most widespread discussion online.
This comes as supporters of Manchester United’s rivals question the ‘consistency’ of officiating in the country.
Specifically, a recent incident involving Bruno Fernandes has been highlighted, which saw the midfielder escape without punishment, after putting hands on a linesman during a meeting with Liverpool:
Source: 101greatgoals.com
