Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher gives verdict on Scott McTominay handball penalty decision

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Handball decisions have been the bane of Manchester United’s season and there was another given against the Red Devils at the weekend.

Scott McTominay‘s joy of scoring his third Manchester United goal in his last two games was shortlived.

Minutes after scoring, as Manchester United frequently do this season, Sheffield United were able to score an equaliser.

It came after Scott McTominay was judged to have committed a handball inside the penalty area. Oli McBurnie scored the penalty. Manchester United went on to win the game 2-1.

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Dermot Gallagher verdict on penalty decision

Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation pointing to the spot and giving the penalty against Manchester United.

The decision was looked at on Sky Sports Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports News (23/10).

Former official Dermot Gallagher was asked his opinion and agreed that Michael Oliver got the decision correct.

He said: “His arms are extended. You might not like it, but it’s got to be a penalty.”

Referee inconsistency

What made this so infuriating was that Michael Oliver was the referee to failed to give the blatant handball committed by Cristian Romero when Manchester United lost to Tottenham.

This was a game-turning decision, with Romero blocking Alejandro Garnacho‘s goalbound shot – with an extended arm.

At the time, Gallagher said: “I would say 100 per cent no. The feeling is he was so close.”

Bruno Fernandes was one player particularly infuriated, hitting out at the refereeing in his post-match interview and calling for an apology.

The decisions have kept on going against Manchester United, as we saw this past weekend.