MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left fuming with VAR officials after Amad Diallo was denied a “stonewall” penalty against Brighton.
Diallo appeared to be tripped by Brighton star Maxim De Cuyper in the 16th minute at Old Trafford, but nothing was given.
The United winger cleverly took the ball away from De Cuyper in the area before the Dutchman stuck his back leg out and appeared to catch his rival on the shin.
Diallo went down but referee Anthony Taylor waved the penalty claims away and play went on.
VAR officials at Stockley Park did have a look at the incident but claimed De Cuyper made contact with the ball.
A Premier League statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that De Cuyper played the ball.”
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But supporters were left stunned at the verdict as they claimed it was a “stonewall” spot kick.
One fan wrote on X: “That is a stonewall penalty on Amad. I don’t understand how this wasn’t given for Manchester United. Anthony Taylor…”
A second added on Reddit: “This is why VAR is broken. VAR can make the case that it’s not ‘clear and obvious’ and that means the ref doesn’t get a second look.”
A third questioned whether there was contact with the ball as they said: “[Premier League] were saying “nick on the ball” I can’t see it….. Is there one?”
Another scolded VAR and wrote: “That’s an easy call to make at speed you shouldn’t even need video review. Then to miss it again is absolutely insane.”
Commentator Gary Neville felt De Cuyper did make a slight contact with the ball but admitted it wasn’t a great challenge.
He said: “It wasn’t great from De Cuyper. He hangs his leg back. The touch on the ball saves him.”
United went on to take the lead through Matheus Cunha in the 24th minute, netting his first for the Red Devils after finding the far corner.
Ruben Amorim‘s side then doubled their lead just ten minutes later as Casemiro‘s strike was deflected off Ayari and bounced into an empty net.
United also had another penalty shout earlier in the game after Bryan Mbeumo went down on the edge of the area – but some players had claimed it was just inside.
In the end, Taylor decided it wasn’t even a foul and play carried on.
VAR did have a look at the footage but deemed that the incident happened outside the box, which meant they couldn’t get involved regardless.
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