Amidst constant criticism of officials and the VAR process, the Premier League tried something different during Manchester United’s away clash against Fulham
A transcript of the VAR officials discussing a penalty decision between Fulham and Manchester United has been released by the Premier League. Michael Carrick’s side drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage, with Matheus Cunha’s deflected goal rescuing a point for the Reds after Lisandro Martinez bundled in a strange own goal.
Before United got their equaliser, they were adamant a penalty should have been awarded when Calvin Bassey handled the ball in his own penalty box. Lisandro Martinez popped the ball in the air and Bassey, who had his arms raised to his face, blocked it with his wrist.
Referee Peter Bankes did not give the decision and after seeing the incident again, the VAR officials agreed with the original call, stating his arms were too close to his body.
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After the match, United players were still arguing with Bankes about the decision. When the game finished, a transcript of the VAR officials making their decision was uploaded to the Premier League Match Centre page.
It said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR.
“AR1: ‘It’s close to his body – it has hit but his arm is close to his body’. REF: ‘On-field decision is play on’. VAR: ‘Arms close to his body. As seen – confirming the on-field decision to play on, exactly as described on-field’.”
Reviewing the incident post-match for Sky Sports, former United striker Louis Saha commented: “It’s 50-50. You don’t know now with the rules.
“Your natural instinct is to protect your face because you know you are going to be hit. But it’s different rules every weekend. Some referees will blow while some others will say ‘No go on’.”
At the time, Gary Neville believed Bassey was rather lucky, as he presented the official with a choice by lifting his arms. He commented: “It’s strange for a defender to put their hands up, because they know the referee will have to make a decision. Bassey is asking for trouble.”
United managed to rescue a point at Craven Cottage thanks to Cunha’s deflected effort in the 89th minute. A loss in west London would have marked a third straight defeat across all competitions for United.
After the match, Carrick said to BBC Sport: “We want more points, we’re going to have a spell where it’s not quite going for you and we’ve had a spell of that where small things have ended up as big things.
“We don’t think things are perfect by any means. We need to win football matches. The supporters were top-drawer again today and we have to give them something to keep shouting about.”