Referee Peter Bankes was in the heart of the action during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
The Red Devils relied on a last-gasp equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to salvage a point from the trip to the Vitality Stadium.
Frustratingly, Manchester United were the architects of their own downfall once again after a blunder in defence allowed £65m target Antoine Semenyo score Bournemouth’s only shot on target.
United pushed for an equaliser and momentum truly swung in their favour after Evanilson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Noussair Mazraoui following a VAR intervention.
Mark Clattenburg says Tyler Adams ‘fortunate’ to avoid red card vs Man United
United eventually broke down Bournemouth’s 10-man defence to avoid a record-breaking 16th Premier League defeat of the season.
However, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg exclusively told United in Focus that Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams can consider himself lucky that he also wasn’t sent off.
“Tyler Adams can count himself fortunate that a referee did not take a stricter line on his challenge on Garnacho,” Clattenburg said.
“For a split second, Adams goes airborne and lunges for the ball catching his opponent on the lower leg with his studs. He does play the ball but in the modern football we play in now, that is not always enough if you endanger the safety of the opponent.
“For a red card, the referee has to assess if the player has used malice and force, there was some force used as Adams was airborne but I don’t think there was any malice and therefore a yellow card is about right.
“It’s subjective and if the referee had issued a direct red card then I don’t believe the VAR would have overturned the decision.”
Premier League confirm ‘reckless’ challenge vs Man United
Adams went lunging into a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho in the first half and was fortunate to survive the following VAR check.
As pointed out by Clattenburg, not many would have complained if Peter Bankes brandished a red card for the USA international.
After the incident, the Premier League issued a statement on the decision made and why Adams avoided a sending-off.
“The referee’s call of yellow card for the challenge by Adams on Garnacho was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed reckless and not serious foul play.”
Clearly the VAR officials felt Adams’ challenge was “reckless”, but not quite enough for a red card. Less than a minute later, the hosts went on to open the scoring.
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