Manchester United fans were left fuming at the weekend at yet more inconsistency from referees.
While Manchester United’s form has not been great this season, the standard of refereeing has been a huge frustration to supporters.
One of the worst mistakes United have suffered was the failure to award a blatant handball when Cristian Romero blocked Alejandro Garnacho‘s goalbound shot with an outstretched arm.
No penalty was awarded, and Manchester United went on to lose the game.
Arsenal awarded penalty in exact same circumstances
Manchester United fans were left perplexed at the weekend when Arsenal were given a penalty in the North London derby for a repeat incident.
It was even the same player, Cristian Romero, handling the ball. A penalty was given, the Tottenham player did not get away with it twice.
All we are asking for is a little consistency, and frustratingly, there is none of it from the officials.
Dermot Gallagher verdict
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was quizzed on the incidents on Sky Sports News (25/9) on their Ref Watch segment.
He said he agreed with the decision to award Arsenal the penalty this weekend.
Gallagher explained: “His arms are out, he blocks the shot going in. He’s had a massive stroke of luck [not being sent off].”
Hang on a minute!
Gallagher was not so certain about Romero blocking Garnacho’s shot last month. Here’s a reminder of what he said at the time.
“I would say 100 per cent no. The feeling is he was so close.”
Well, Romero was even closer to the shot when he handled the ball this weekend.
He was asked about the two decisions on Sky, to which he ignored the United incident, simply saying of the Arsenal penalty: “His arms out, VAR’s seen it, its heading towards goal, it didn’t surprise me it was given.”
Manchester United fans have every reason to be frustrated. There is no consistency from referees, and former officials too.
Burnley incident saw inconsistency with City goal
There was another talking point at the weekend where Manchester United saw a headed goal chalked off when Jonny Evans scored against Burnley. Rasmus Hojlund was judged to have obstructed the goalkeeper.
Yet this was exactly the same as one Manchester City scored, and was allowed, against Sheffield United. Referees were widely criticised for it.
Gallagher responded to say he felt it was the right call to disallow the Manchester United goal. Of course.
He said: “They’ve learnt, they’ve moved on, it’s a good VAR intervention. Very very good intervention.”
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