Former referee hits out at VAR official over Bruno Fernandes red card

Retired Premier League referee Mark Halsey hit out at VAR official Peter Bankes following Bruno Fernandes’ red card in Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

While Man United underperformed from the start, Fernandes’ sending-off before half-time clearly blew the team’s chances of clawing their way back into the match, having been only a goal down at that stage.

Although Fernandes was adjudged to have stamped on James Maddison’s leg, the replay would show that the United skipper actually slipped as he went in for the challenge.

Despite reviewing the tackle, VAR refused to intervene, thereby leaving the referee to uphold his original decision.

“In real-time, Bruno Fernandes’ first-half challenge on James Maddison looked a poor one. And based on an immediate viewing, it seemed ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision to show a red card was the correct one. But replays clearly showed he slipped, and his foot did not make contact as high on Maddison’s leg as it first seemed,” Halsey explained to The Sun.

“Looking back at the footage, you would have to say it was reckless rather than a case of serious foul play. There should be no criticism of Kavanagh as he only gets one view of it,” Halsey added, cautioning against blaming Kavanagh for the seemingly inaccurate decision. Instead, he viewed Bankes as the villain in the scenario.

“But the question to ask is why VAR Peter Bankes did not get involved, as he sees what we see. If VAR had recommended a review, I’m sure Kavanagh would have changed his mind.” Halsey explained.

“I think in the eyes of everyone, you can see that is never a red card because if this is a red card I think we have to look at many other incidents. I had many incidents when I get kicked and everything, and I’ve never seen something so quick coming off as a red card. I just think it’s never a red card.”

Given United’s ongoing struggles, Fernandes’ red card is a huge setback to the troubled club.

While he will be available to face FC Porto in the Europa League, he will undoubtedly miss United’s challenging trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, a club that has been in fine form this season.

Still, even if Fernandes was available for the match at Villa Park, United fans would be justified for feeling low in confidence given the club’s recent woes.

Frustration with manager Erik ten Hag has surged in recent weeks, with United legend Paul Scholes going so far as to admit that the team looked “uncoached” in their defeat to Spurs.

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit agreed with Scholes’ sentiment, claiming after the midweek draw with FC Twente that Ten Hag employs no form of recognisable playing style.

While Fernandes’ sending-off was undoubtedly a setback for United, there is a clear flaw in the team’s strategy that is holding them back from success, raising the question of how long Ten Hag will be able to hold onto his coaching role at Old Trafford.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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