Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has responded to Nilson Angulo’s altercation with Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United’s encounter with Sunderland.
Nilson Angulo found himself at the centre of controversy after Manchester United fans felt that he should have been sent off for his challenge on Bruno Fernandes.
The 22-year-old Sunderland player climbed off the bench late in the second half and Angulo was shown to have caught Man Utd’s captain in the face with his forearm.
However, Stuart Attwell did not book Angulo for the incident involving Fernandes and neither did VAR call for the Premier League referee to review the incident.
What is your MESSAGE to Michael Carrick after Man Utd’s draw with Sunderland?
Dermot Gallagher’s verdict on VAR and red card claims for the Nilson Angulo vs Bruno Fernandes drama
Manchester United and Sunderland played out a lacklustre 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon amid the controversy surrounding the red card shout.
Michael Carrick’s men walked away with a Premier League point at the weekend and strengthened their position to finish in third place in the 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Dermot Gallagher suggested that Angulo should have been booked with a yellow card for his challenge on Bruno Fernandes.
“I don’t think it is a red card and that is the problem for VAR. It’s all or nothing,” he said.
“It’s a yellow card, for me. It’s unsporting behaviour and it is reckless. He’s actually tried to get the top of his shoulder and his forearm has gone up.
“He hasn’t thrown an elbow or caught him with an elbow, so that’s why it is a yellow card. The VAR has no power to say it is a yellow [which is] why he doesn’t get involved. They are snookered.”
Should Nilson Angulo have been sent off for his elbow to Bruno Fernandes?
Mark Clattenburg certainly thinks so… 🤔
Sky Sports pundit Jay Bothroyd feels the same way as Dermot Gallagher over the red card not being shown in Man Utd’s draw
Gallagher was not alone in dismissing the red card debate, with pundit Jay Bothroyd insisting that there was no visible intent behind Angulo’s challenge.
“If Angulo had thrown an elbow, you’d have seen it,” Jay Bothroyd added.
“It’s not a red card. It’s not intentional.”
Following Man Utd’s Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, the Red Devils will be back in action at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The third-place Red Devils will host Premier League side Nottingham Forest for a 12:30pm kick-off time in the UK.
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