I FEAR simulation is creeping back into the game – even with VAR in operation.
Both referee Mike Dean and VAR official Graham Scott were deceived by Anthony Martial at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Anthony Martial’s controversial penalty shows simulation is creeping back despite VARCredit: AFP
Manchester United forward Martial was already going to ground before there was minimal contact from Southampton’s Jan Bednarek.
And that is the difference between Bednarek’s challenge and the one Arsenal’s David Luiz made from behind on Willian Jose to get sent off at Wolves.
United should not have been awarded a penalty, never mind a red card for Bednarek.
It was a clear and obvious error from Dean.
Even Martial admitted to Bednarek it wasn’t a foul so I fully expected Dean to view the monitor and overturn his original decision as it was a difficult one to call in real time.
Martial’s act of simulation is the type of incident where you want VAR to be involved but Scott failed to help Dean out.
I believe Southampton will have a case to appeal the decision.
Now match officials must be fully aware of forwards trying to initiate contact inside the penalty box.
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That’s because simulation is a disease in the game that still needs eradicating.
On another point, TV broadcasters get the chance to hear what the VAR is saying to the referee.
The time has come for all to hear the conversations between the two like we do in rugby union and cricket.
Man Utd’s Anthony Martial admitted penalty was NOT a foul, claims Jan Bednarek after controversial red card
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
