Manchester United were forced to settle for a point away to Everton with numerous verdicts issued on the Premier League game’s controversial incidents
Manchester United have been handed verdicts on four controversial incidents from their thrilling Premier League draw against Everton. Ainsley Maitland-Niles smashed home a stunning last-minute equaliser but things could have played out differently had a penalty been given earlier in the half for a foul on Matheus Cunha.
That was arguably the biggest talking point in terms of decisions needing to be made by John Brooks but he deemed James Tarkowski got the ball despite it being quite a risky challenge from behind. And Sky Sports co-commentator Lee Hendrie was of the belief the referee got that one right.
“What an unbelievable run from Marcus Rashford. This is outstanding, Rashford at his best. Positive drive, stands on his feet in cleverness just to try to put the ball into the path of Cunha. Was it a penalty?
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“Tarkowski gets enough on the ball, and he does…just. The penalty has been checked, and it’s cleared. It’s a brilliant tackle.
“This angle shows more, he just gets complete purchase on the ball. Is Cunha looking for it? Tell you what, it is a risky one but it’s well worth it. It’s outstanding defending from Tarkowski.”
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Ultimately it did not look set to matter for United as second-half substitute Benjamin Sesko headed home what looked to be the winner after Tyrique George’s thumping 83rd minute strike cancelled out Bryan Mbeumo’s opener.
Despite the late drama, VAR was not required for the closing stages but there were two yellow card incidents that ex-Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes Brooks got wrong. The first of those involved Thierno Barry appealing for a penalty with Brooks not interested but told he should have booked him.
“John Brooks got this one spot on,” he told Goodison News. “The player, Barry, went to ground far too easily and he is lucky that he did not receive a yellow card for his clear act of simulation.”
The ex-PGMOL chief also stated that Diogo Dalot should have been shown a yellow card for pulling George’s shirt. He was later cautioned for that exact offence on Jack Grealish.
He said: “Dalot pulled his opponent’s shirt stopping a promising attack. John Brooks really should at that point issue a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.”
Hackett did, however, agree with Brooks’ yellow card decision for Harrison Armstrong’s foul on Bruno Fernandes. He said: “The yellow card to Everton midfielder Armstrong is correct. The player wrapped his arm around his opponent’s neck.”








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