Manchester United’s eight-goal thriller against Bournemouth included a moment of refereeing controversy involving Antoine Semenyo.
In a breathtaking clash, Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in the Premier League, leaving the Red Devils sixth in the table.
Ruben Amorim will be pleased with what he saw from his players going forward, with Amad Diallo, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha on the scoresheet.
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But defensively, United struggled to contain Bournemouth and especially Antoine Semenyo, who scored in a third consecutive match against the Red Devils.
Amorim called Semenyo ‘special’ in the build-up to the match and the 26-year-old did stand out at Old Trafford, but he was also lucky to see out the full 90 minutes.
Mark Clattenburg comments on Antoine Semenyo incident
Just minutes after Semenyo scored to draw United level, he was pictured raising his hand to Diogo Dalot’s neck following an aerial duel.
Referee Anthony Taylor decided to book both players, and VAR decided to stick with the on-field decision.
United in Focus spoke exclusively to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg about the incident.
Was Antoine Semenyo lucky to escape a red card vs Manchester United?
Antoine Semenyo and Diogo Dalot were both shown a yellow card for the incident!
“Antoine Semenyo was issued a yellow card for raising his hand to Diogo Dalot after a foul had been awarded,” Clattenburg said.
“The yellow card was the correct decision as it was a brief touch and not a grasp to the throat which could have had an element of malice. If that was the case, it could have upgraded the yellow card to a red card.”
Antoine Semenyo incident compared to Casemiro
Clattenburg agrees that Semenyo should have only been booked for raising his hand at Dalot, but it highlights the inconsistency in officiating.
Back in 2023, Casemiro was shown a straight red card after putting his hands to the neck of Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes.
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In that match, VAR recommended a straight red card for the Brazil midfielder, for seemingly doing exactly what Semenyo did to Dalot.
Amorim and United can feel aggrieved at the decision, which would have left Bournemouth with 10 men for the second half.
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