Referees chief Howard Webb has claimed VAR made a ‘mistake’ by not immediately overturning the red card shown to Bruno Fernandes in Man United’s recent 3-0 defeat against Tottenham.
The Manchester United captain was shown a straight red card by referee Chris Kavanagh at Old Trafford for a foul on James Maddison at a time when the hosts were only one goal down and chasing an equaliser.
Fernandes had attempted to win the ball back near the centre circle when he made a lunge, slipping before connecting with Maddison’s shin and leaving the Spurs star in a dramatic heap on the floor.
The Portuguese playmaker at the time protested his innocence, pleasing for VAR to review the situation after initial replays had suggested his foot caught Maddison higher than it actually did.
Webb is now adamant that VAR should have intervened and gone against the referees original decision to send the United captain walking off midway through the clash.
Referees chief Howard Webb (left) has claimed VAR made a ‘mistake’ by not immediately overturning the red card shown to Bruno Fernandes (right) against Tottenham
Fernandes was shown a straight red after catching James Maddison on the shin at Old Trafford
Fernandes was shown red by referee Chris Kavanagh (left) who refused to change his decision
Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up that see’s Webb explain controversial refereeing decisions alongside Michael Owen, the referees head insisted officials came to the wrong result.
Audio from the moment of Fernandes’ rash challenge reveals the assistant referee stated: ‘That’s awful mate. That’s a red card for me, 100 per cent. On-field decision is red card.’
VAR added: ‘It’s not studs. It’s shin height. It’s a deliberate act and made no attempt to play the ball. The angle doesn’t show it’s with studs. There is a slip but I think ref’s call.’
However, Webb is adamant that VAR should have gone against Kavanagh’s initial call, stating: ‘It was [a mistake]. We hear on the audio that the assistant said it was a red card offence and the referee takes that advice.
‘The contact is high but Fernandes slips first. It’s not an attempt on the ball but from the assistants’ view it looks like studs go in – but it’s a slight error.
‘There’s no driving the foot into the opponent, it’s more of a tripping action. VAR should have sent the referee to the screen,’ added Webb.
Fernandes pleaded with Kavanagh to change his decision but was ignored by the official
Fernandes and United successfully appealed against the red card, using Sky Sports’ pundits as part of their official appeal to have the punishment overturned.
The Red Devils skipper was back in the starting lineup for United’s weekend visit to Villa Park but continued to struggle along with the rest of his team-mates as Erik ten Hag’s side sit 14th in the Premier League table.
