FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey claims Bruno Fernandes was incorrectly sent off during Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
Fernandes saw red in the 42nd minute of the match following a challenge on James Maddison.
While lunging in for a tackle, the 30-year-old slipped and caught the side of Maddison’s shin with his boot.
Referee Chris Kavanagh immediately brandished the red card, leaving both Fernandes and manager Erik ten Hag baffled.
VAR agreed with the on-field decision to confirm the United captain’s dismissal just a few moments before half-time.
However, ex-Prem ref Halsey believes a review should have been recommended instead.
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He told SunSport: “It was a tough one for Chris Kavanagh because in real time it did look like a poor challenge.
“So we cannot be critical of Chris in that situation. When I saw the challenge again, I thought straight away – it’s not a red card.
“If we look at the law for serious foul play, a tackle or challenge that endangers an opponent with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
“Whether the challenge is a lunge from the front, the side, the back, it must be sanctioned as a red card.
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“Now that, for me, that challenge didn’t meet the criteria of serious foul play.
“What you can be critical of is VAR because when you look at it again and you see it again, it’s not.
“The challenge doesn’t meet the criteria. Yes, he slips and it’s the back of his heel that goes down the side of his shin pad. But for me, when VAR look at that and they confirm the decision, I’m looking at that and thinking, do they know the law?
“So in my opinion, I think it was a wrongful dismissal. Had VAR afforded Chris Kavanagh another look, so recommended a review, then I’m sure that Chris would have changed his mind and Bruno Fernandes would not have been sent off from the field of play.
“So I believe that Manchester United have got a strong case for an appeal and they should do that.”
Halsey went on to criticise PGMOL chief Howard Webb for his poor handling of some decisions so far this season.
He continued: “They look at red cards and you can upgrade them from a yellow to red. You can downgrade a red to a yellow now. That’s what should have happened here.
“So again, Howard Webb has got to look at his training education.
“Another thing that really annoys me is the nonsense that comes out from the matchday centre.
“Regarding the challenge, they need someone there that actually knows the law. The law is clear on serious foul play and that was not serious foul play that endangered the player’s safety with excessive force or brutality.
“So for me, VAR should have looked at that and recommended a review. And, as I say, once Chris had gone and looked at it, and had a review got recommended, then he would have changed decision.
“There are so many inconsistencies, Howard has got to sort this out.”
Man Utd went on to lose 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford, leaving them 12th in the Premier League table.
Fernandes himself also insisted he should not have been sent off.
He said: “Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.
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“I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.
“The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn’t possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that.”
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
