PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have revealed why Luke Shaw and Robbie Brady both dodged red cards in a mad minute at Burnley.
Manchester United’s win at Turf Moor involved a number of controversial calls, including a double VAR check in the first-half.
Luke Shaw’s tackle was initially allowed by Kevin Friend before a VAR reviewCredit: AP:Associated Press
Robbie Brady’s subsequent yellow card for scything down Edinson Cavani was rescindedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Luke Shaw clattered into Johann Berg Gudmundsson in his half, a challenge that referee Kevin Friend deemed fair.
The ball then broke for a United attack which saw Edinson Cavani felled by Brady.
Claims were made that both challenges were worthy of dismissals, with Shaw missing the ball and landing his studs on Gudmundsson’s ankle.
Likewise, Brady wiped out Cavani in a tackle that would have seen the Uruguayan through on goal.
Fans watching on were left asking questions as to how the process played out and refereeing chiefs PGMOL have released a statement explaining the VAR calls.
It read: “In the 27th minute of Burnley vs. Manchester United, Robbie Brady was shown a yellow card for a foul on Edinson Cavani.
“On the recommendation of the VAR, referee Kevin Friend went to the Referee Review Area to check for a possible red card for Brady for a denial of a goalscoring opportunity offence and a possible foul by Luke Shaw that was in the same attacking phase of play.
“When the referee was at the screen, he was first shown the challenge by Shaw on Johann Berg Gudmundsson.
Kevin Friend checked the Shaw tackle for himself at the Turf Moor touchlineCredit: AFP
The left-back was shown a yellow card upon reviewCredit: EPA
“He determined that this was a foul and was part of the phase of play that led to the challenge by Brady.
“The restart was a Burnley free-kick, with Brady’s yellow card rescinded, and a yellow card issued to Shaw.”
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was left surprised that Shaw was allowed to stay on the pitch.
He said: “I think Luke Shaw will be a relieved man in the dressing room.
“In the current climate where the game is so sanitised, I think he gets a little bit of the ball but certainly goes over the top and catches him.
‘For me that is reckless and dangerous. I think he is really lucky.”
Fellow Sky analyst and former United star Gary Neville agreed, deeming Shaw ‘lucky’.
VAR was called into action again later in the half with left-back Shaw crossing for Harry Maguire to nod home.
However, Friend and his replay officials agreed that the Red Devils captain had committed a foul in winning his header.
United nonetheless claimed all three points on Tuesday night thanks to Paul Pogba’s deflected volley.
The win put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side top ahead of their weekend trip to defending champions Liverpool, who sit three points further back.
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Man Utd duo Paul Pogba and Eric Bailly’s cele vs Burnley compared to legendary Ince and Giggs effort by Gary Neville
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
