Fans have exhibited their anger at VAR after Casemiro avoided a red card while Jack Grealish’s ‘handball’ was called for a penalty during the FA Cup Final.
The finale between Manchester City and Manchester United today (June 3) has certainly been a heated battle between the city rivals.
Rivalries, especially in a cup final, are never without controversy as United’s Casemiro escaped a sending off despite a rough foul on City defender Manuel Akanji.
READ MORE: Man City go 1-0 up in FA Cup final after just 13 seconds to leave Man Utd fans stunned
The decision went to VAR but they ruled it wasn’t worthy of a red card and not even a yellow, as the Brazilian midfielder was lucky according to some fans.
One fan posted referee David Coote’s Facebook profile picture with his header being a picture of Old Trafford, which is fake while the account is not run by the referee, alongside a comment which read: “This is why. Should’ve been City penalty aswell…”
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Another fan wrote: “United always get blessed with these decisions” while a third tweeted: “No red card for Casemiro? This is why VAR is so important in football! Man United definitely got lucky with those decisions.”
Further controversy followed in the first half of the blockbuster match as Man United were awarded a penalty after Jack Grealish was deemed to have handled the ball following a header from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
VAR, which is being run by Coote during the final, confirmed referee Paul Tierney’s initial decision to give a penalty which was converted by Bruno Fernandes to level the scoring.
(Image: Ashley Western/Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)
That didn’t stop fans from lamenting the decision with one writing: “Makes you wonder how Manchester United went for years without a major trophy despite having all referees behind them.”
Another fan said it’s been a below par performance from the officials today as they tweeted: “[Officiating] team have had a mare so far today. Joke.”
Casemiro’s discipline since arriving in English football last summer has been a problem for him and Manchester United.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In the 28 Premier League games he’s played in this season, the former Real Madrid man has received seven yellow cards and two straight red cards.
In all competitions, he’s accrued 13 yellow cards in his debut season with the club and according to many on social media, the five-time Champions League winner should have received his marching orders for the third time this season.