BBC pundit gives clear ‘bad decision’ verdict on Arsenal penalty vs Manchester United

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Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal had it all, goals, a red card, and a bust-up between the two teams.

The second half flashpoint came with the score at 1-1, when a penalty was awarded against Manchester United.

Kai Havertz threw himself to the ground inside the box, and the referee bought it, judging that Harry Maguire had fouled him.

It prompted a furious reaction from Maguire, who was seen angrily gesturing towards Havertz – before Manuel Ugarte shoved the German to the floor.

Martin Odegaard stepped up to take the penalty and was denied by an unlikely hero – stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Reaction to penalty award

The penalty was clearly the wrong decision – even if we say so with Manchester United tinted glasses.

So instead we refer to neutral, former Manchester City player Micah Richards, speaking to BBC Sport.

Richards blasted the call, telling the channel’s coverage: “It is not a penalty, at all.

“A really bad decision. It is not enough for a penalty.”

United held out with 10 men to force extra time at The Emirates, with Gabriel equalising Bruno Fernandes‘ opener.

Manchester United fans sick of poor calls

Manchester United fans have become sick of the poor decisions awarded against the team in big games in recent years.

Just last week we saw a penalty awarded to Liverpool at Anfield for a handball against Matthijs de Ligt, when the Dutchman had no time to move his hands.

This time United were able to save the spot kick, to ensure the penalty award did not leave a bitter taste.

But the referee had already impacted the game negatively against United, sending Diogo Dalot off for a second booking, after the Red Devils had gone 1-0 up.