Manchester United and Chelsea played one of the best matches of the Premier League season with a 4-3 score sheet. The Red Devils played at Stamford Bridge and lost a 3-2 lead going into the final minutes of the game. However, a brace from Cole Palmer in the last few minutes ended up giving his team the victory.
Fans of the Premier League were excited to witness such a great matchup full of drama and late goals. However, some United fans believed the decisions were not correct, and now a former referee has seconded that sentiment.
Mike Dean provides his verdict on late penalty against Manchester United
Many fans feel that the two penalties were very soft challenges and should not have been awarded. However, the second penalty awarded in the 10th minute of extra time after normal play was considered a very weak challenge. Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot had fallen in his own box, chasing after Noni Madueke and tripped the forward.
After a 3 minute wait for the VAR decision, it was deemed a penalty by them. The resulting penalty was scored by Cole Palmer to equalize the score, and one minute later he scored the winning goal to complete his first Premier League hat trick as well. The player has had a brilliant season after leaving Manchester City.
Let’s not forget 2 of the softest penalties for Chelsea that would’ve never been given to us #MUFC pic.twitter.com/tpcv1IjTNf
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) April 5, 2024
Former referee and currently a VAR referee Mike Dean was asked his opinions about the decision to award a penalty. In the interview with Sky Sports, he admitted it may not have been one. Being a referee who has been in the sport for a long time, he said, “I didn’t think it was a penalty kick.” He expressed his surprise at the decision and even labelled it as a ‘soft decision’. Even manager Erik ten Hag and captain Bruno Fernandes said the same of the penalty decision.
How many penalties did Manchester United concede this season in PL?
Manchester United have not had a good season so far, with some very poor results, meaning they are only 6th in the Premier League. However, aside from the poor performances and the many players being absent due to injuries, penalties have also taken away points from the Red Devils.
So far this season, they have conceded 5 penalties in the span of 30 games. Only 7 more teams have more, with West Ham conceding the league high 9 penalties. Two of the penalties conceded were in yesterday’s loss to Chelsea, and many fans feel there is an agenda against them.
Whatever the case, Manchester United will need to bounce back as they will face rivals Liverpool in the Premier League tomorrow.
