Manchester United are reportedly set to take immediate action after the penalty storm which engulfed the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday evening.
Penalty flashpoint
United were left seething about two controversial refereeing decisions as two penalties were awarded and one was not in a match that saw Bournemouth come from behind twice.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead from the spot-kick, which Matheus Cunha won, after he was brought down inside the danger area by Jimenez.
But the advantage didn’t last long as Ryan Christie restored parity, albeit in very contentious circumstances. United felt they were due a second penalty when Amad appeared to be pulled back inside the box by Adrien Truffert. Referee Stuart Atwell was close to the incident but waved play on and in the same passage of play, Bournemouth went the other end to score and make it 1-1.
United got back into the driving seat when Fernandes’ dangerous corner-kick delivery was turned in by James Hill, who was under immense pressure from Harry Maguire.
The drama continued when Maguire was sent off for a foul that looked similar to the one committed against Amad. Bournemouth were awarded a penalty, which substitute Junior Kroupi stepped up to convert.
Fernandes was outraged after the final whistle, slamming the referee for his inconsistent decisions. He argued that if the challenge on Amad was not a penalty, then Maguire’s foul should not have been one either. These sentiments were echoed by Carrick.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Carrick described the disputed calls as “baffling.”
Now, the Daily Mail reveal that United have made the decision to file an official complaint to referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited.
United to take action
Mike Keegan reports, “Manchester United are today set to make a formal complaint to refs’ body PGMO after they were controversially denied a second penalty in last night’s draw with Bournemouth.”
“Daily Mail Sport understands Old Trafford officials have been left furious at what they believe is ‘yet another VAR blunder’ which has cost their Champions League chasing side.”
“Senior officials at Old Trafford believe the foul on Amad was a clear one and that, had the penalty been given, the likelihood was that Bruno Fernandes would have scored from the spot for the second time to give Michael Carrick’s men a 2-0 lead midway through the second-half.”
It’s understood that United bosses are fully aligned with Carrick’s view and director of football Jason Wilcox will raise the matter with Webb later today.
United also intend to ask for an explanation regarding where the nine minutes of added time came from.
Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images
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