Manchester United were left to rue a brilliant free-kick from Michael Olise which earned Crystal Palace a point at Selhurst Park. This was enough to earn Palace a share of the points in a 1-1 draw.
While fair to admire the outstanding free-kick, Manchester United partly had themselves to blame for failing to score a second goal, or create enough chances to do so.
But when it comes to blame, some must go towards the officials, who denied Manchester United a clear penalty in the second half.
Scott McTominay appeared to be fouled inside the box by Palace defender Chris Richards.
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Manchester United penalty appeal
Scott McTominay had only been on the pitch a few minutes when he was brought down inside the penalty area.
The referee decided no penalty, and then VAR decreed that was not a ‘clear and obvious error’, so the decision was not overturned.
This would have given Manchester United a chance to go 2-0 up, and possibly rest Casemiro, avoiding a suspension.
Instead the Brazilian stayed on the pitch and picked up a booking, meaning he will miss the weekend match at Arsenal.
There was a strong reaction from the Sky Sports studio pundits, Jamie Redknapp and former Palace striker Glenn Murray, who both agreed it was a penalty.
Redknapp said: “Why did they not spend a little more time on it? Personally, it’s clear and obvious.
“He [Richards] definitely doesn’t get a touch. You can see straight away he knows its a foul. He got away with it. Game over, that’s what cost them.”
Murray added: “I don’t think he [Richards] touches the ball. That is a penalty.
“I don’t know why the referee doesn’t go over to the monitor. He [McTominay] touched the ball, he gets the contact, I think it was a penalty.”
Derby reaction counts against United
It’s impossible to separate this from the furore which followed Manchester United’s ‘offside’ goal given at the weekend against Manchester City.
Officials know that any decision being seen to benefit United will face intense media scrutiny. And on this one, they bottled the call.
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