Bruno Fernandes gave away a penalty for a handball offence in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad.
Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie in San Sebastian.
Ruben Amorim’s side dominated large phases of the game and were finally rewarded in the second half when Joshua Zirkzee converted a low cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
However, United once again threw away their lead, when a contentious VAR decision ruled that Fernandes handled the ball inside the box. This led to Mikel Oyarzabal stepping up to the spot and sending his penalty kick past Andre Onana.
La Real pushed on in search of a late winner and kept Onana on his toes after a quiet first half. United held on to ensure it’s all to play for in the second leg at Old Trafford next week.
Bruno Fernandes penalty verdict
United are getting no luck at the moment with VAR decisions going against them regularly this season.
That was the case again on Thursday night when Fernandes’ hand appeared in an unnatural position before striking the ball.
The officials failed to take into account that Fernandes was jumping in mid-air, and when you do that, you use your arms to gain extra height. Try jumping up for a header with your arms tied behind your back.
Former United academy player Robbie Savage was on commentary duty for TNT Sports when he slammed the decision and called UEFA’s rules ‘harsh’.
“The rule is ridiculous,” Savage said during the live broadcast. “On that angle there, the arm does stop him [Real Sociedad attacker] heading it because the arm is [in] an unnatural position.
“It is harsh though because that is how you jump but the arm has stopped the player heading the ball so, by the letter of the law and the way the rule is, it is a penalty even though it is harsh.”
Perhaps it’s time for UEFA to re-evaluate the handball rule.
Paul Scholes shares stronger view on Fernandes penalty
United legend Paul Scholes admitted he understands why Fernandes was penalised for handball by VAR on Thursday night.
Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak checked the pitch-side monitor to look closer at the incident, before he pointed towards the penalty spot.
Oyarzabal made no mistake as he sent his effort past Onana which eased the pressure United had been piling on La Real.
“I didn’t know why the game had stopped, I think it is handball,” Scholes told TNT Sports’ live broadcast. “It is not a position you expect Fernandes in, sometimes when you put your hand up you are afraid of getting a bang in the head.”
Scholes revealed he didn’t see anything wrong with the incident until he was shown a replay.
“I didn’t really see anything at the time but looking back it is a penalty,” he added. “I don’t think any of us saw it. I wondered why they stopped the game but they went back to it and it was a penalty.
“A little bit surprised that Bruno [Fernandes] is in that position, he doesn’t strike me as someone dominant to head the ball and he pulls out. I would be the same in that situation and you can understand why they gave it.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
