Every word said by David Coote and VAR during ‘horrendous’ Man United decision in Erik ten Hag’s final game

Add as preferred source on Google

Erik ten Hag’s last ever game as Manchester United manager was surrounded by controversy.

Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in late October, less than 24 hours after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.

It was a bizarre set of circumstances leading up to the match, with United unbeaten in their last four games but having also only won one of their last seven.

Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring for the hosts with 20 minutes remaining, but Casemiro drew United level just minutes later. Just as it looked as though United would pick up a sixth draw in eight games, referee David Coote controversially pointed to the spot in stoppage time.

READ MORE: Worst Man Utd VAR decisions in the Premier League

Matthijs de Ligt had collided with Danny Ings in the box and after a lengthy VAR check, a penalty was awarded.

VAR explained the De Ligt penalty decision through a social media post, but the audio from officials has now been released.

What VAR officials said during Matthijs de Ligt penalty decision

United fans simply couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Club chief Darren Fletcher was “furious” at the West Ham decision, while Erik ten Hag understandably couldn’t hide his frustration on the sidelines.

Ten Hag commented on the VAR decision after the full-time whistle, and the audio from Stockley Park will only add to his disappointment.

The Premier League released the audio footage on their Mic’d Up show, revealing the conversation between Coote and VAR official Michael Oliver.

Coote initially waved away the penalty appeals, and he is heard saying “no, no, no” immediately after the incident.

However, VAR then replies: “Just checking possible penalty… I think this is a penalty. De Ligt into the foot. Lower leg, yeah. He misses the ball and the contact with the leg.

AVAR: “I think De Ligt doesn’t make contact with the ball. I agree.

VAR: “Cootey, I’m going to recommend an on-field review for a possible penalty.

Referee: So we’ve got knee-to-knee contact.

VAR: Yeah, lower leg contact from De Ligt onto Danny Ings with no contact on the ball from De Ligt.

Referee: We’ve got knee-to-knee contact but does Ings have control of the ball at any point?

VAR: He does not, he’s moving into the way of the ball and De Ligt comes into contact with Ings.

Referee: So we’ve got more contact by De Ligt than we have for Ings. We’re giving a penalty, no further action.

Ex-referees slam ‘horrendous’ VAR call on Matthijs de Ligt penalty

After re-watching the incident with VAR audio, former Premier League referee and PGMOL Howard Webb gave his verdict…

He said: “I thought it was a misread by the VAR Michael Oliver. A VAR who is normally very talented and reliable.”

Another former referee was not so gentle in his assessment. Keith Hacket called the VAR decision “horrendous” and added that it was “one of the worst” decisions he had ever seen.

It turned out to be the final twist of Ten Hag’s time at United, with the club’s hierarchy sacking him the following morning.

Ruben Amorim has now been appointed as his successor and will take charge of the Red Devils for the first time later this month.