Manchester United defender Harry Maguire issued an immediate response to his controversial dismissal in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday.
Marching orders
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the 61st minute, converting a penalty which Matheus Cunha won, having been illegally brought down by Jimenez inside the danger area.
United were then hit back in controversial circumstances. United felt they were due a second penalty after Amad appeared to have been pulled back inside the box by Adrien Truffert. Referee Stuart Atwell was at the scene but waved play on, only for the Cherries to make it 1-1 just 25 seconds later from the same passage of play.
Fernandes restored United’s advantage as James Hill turned the Portugal international’s corner-kick delivery into the back of his own net.
There was further drama when Maguire was sent off for a last-man challenge on Evanilson. The foul appeared very similar to the Amad incident, yet Atwell awarded a penalty to the hosts.
Junior Kroupi subsequently scored the spot kick to ensure the spoils were shared between the two teams.
Fernandes was seething after the final whistle, perplexed by Atwell’s failure to give a penalty for the Amad incident when he later awarded one to Bournemouth for a virtually identical foul. Michael Carrick also labelled the decisions “baffling.”
Maguire took to Instagram and said his red card was given for a “soft” challenge. The England international also took responsibility for the Red Devils dropping points.
Maguire’s message
The England international wrote, “So soft but that’s where football is at atm and I should know better.”
“You would think both decisions would reach the same outcome.”
He added, “We will be back after the break. Safe travel home reds, your support has been unbelievable.”
Maguire will subsequently not be available for selection on April 13 when United return to action against arch-rivals Leeds United.
Featured image Michael Reagan via Getty Images
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