Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has revealed his stance on whether or not Manchester United should have been awarded a second penalty against Brighton.
Brighton arrived at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon and Fabian Hurzeler’s men inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Manchester United in their Premier League clash.
Ruben Amorim’s side were placed on the back foot in the fifth minute against Brighton after Yankuba Minteh broke the deadlock for the Seagulls.
However, United rallied back in the first half after the Red Devils were awarded a penalty and Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot-kick.
Despite the 1-1 scoreline at half-time, Brighton came out on top as the stronger side in the second half and Kaoru Mitoma restored the lead for Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
Georginio Rutter netted an easy third for Brighton in the 76th minute after a howler from United No 1 Andre Onana when he came out to collect a low cross.
Gallagher on Man Utd penalty vs Brighton
Referee Peter Bankes pointed to the spot in the first half after a reckless challenge from Carlos Baleba on Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Premier League referee brandished a yellow for Carlos Baleba, but United fans were furious that Peter Bankes didn’t send him off for the sloppy challenge.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Dermot Gallagher insisted that Brighton could not have “any complaints” over Bankes’ decision to award a penalty.
“I don’t think Brighton can have any complaints,” he said.
“It’s an easy spot for the referee. There’s panic from the defender.”
Gallagher reacts to Amad foul and penalty call
United languish in 13th place in the Premier League table after Ruben Amorim’s men suffered their first defeat of 2025.
The Red Devils are 12 points adrift from the top four and are only 10 points clear of the relegation zone after 22 league matches in the current campaign.
United have managed only one win and one draw in their last five Premier League matches, with the Red Devils enduring a poor run of form in the season.
Gallagher was also asked about a foul on Amad Diallo in the 3-1 Brighton defeat and he does not think United should have been awarded a penalty for the challenge.
“On Amad, I think it’s a fantastic tackle,” he added.
“There are three brilliant tackles that all get the ball.
“Brighton then go up the other end and score so by getting the decision right, the referee kept the game going.
“It’s good focus from the referee.”
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