BBC pundit says referee should be axed over Marcel Sabitzer tackle but Gary Neville disagrees

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Manchester United got a raw deal from officials three weeks ago when Casemiro was sent off after raising his hands against Crystal Palace.

United a had a little more luck this past weekend. Marcel Sabitzer was a little fortunate to escape without even a booking after a high tackle on Wout Faes.

Graeme Souness ranted on Sky Sports how he believed Sabitzer should have seen a straight red. Ignoring the fact he used to get away with far worse when he played.

He was not the only one. Garth Crooks blasted that Stuart Attwell should no longer be permitted to referee.

Crooks told BBC Sport: “Stuart Attwell should be relieved of his duties. He allowed Manchester United’s Marcel Sabitzer to remain on the pitch after the worst tackle I have seen in years and without so much as a caution.”

He went on to add: “Top professional players deserve referees who know the difference between a good and a very bad tackle.”

Gary Neville disagrees

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville gave a different view of the tackle, arguing that pictures made it look worse than it was.

Neville told Sky Sports: “I didn’t think it was a red. He didn’t follow through with the force.”

Faes was not injured and completed all 90 minutes. This was not the career threatening injury Crooks and Souness made it out to be.

United were probably owed this slice of luck. Especially after Andy Carroll went unpunished, for a tackle on Christian Eriksen which did actually cause an injury which has put him on the side lines until late April.

If it wasn’t for that terrible tackle, Marcel Sabitzer would probably not be playing for Manchester United right now.

We can breathe a sigh of relief Sabitzer did escape a red. If he was sent off he would have missed both the Carabao Cup final and the league game at Anfield. Let’s hope he makes the most of his reprieve.