Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has ruled on a probable missed penalty in Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal on Sunday. A terrible error by Altay Bayindir allowed Riccardo Calafiori to nod home from close range, costing Ruben Amorim’s much-improved Red Devils.
While Benjamin Sesko made his debut from the bench, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were picked to the starting lineup as part of a new-look assault at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian standing out in particular. However, supporters believed that the former Wolves player was wrongly denied a late penalty, and Hackett has now spoken out on the issue.
Hackett Responds to United Penalty Claims
With the hosts pouring on the pressure in the final minutes of the game in quest of an equalizer, Cunha attempted to control a pass into him within the six-yard box, but Arsenal defender William Saliba came in to make a charge from behind.
United fans contended online that the Frenchman made no contact with the ball and instead took out the number 10’s leg, using slow-motion film to back up their claims. However, Hackett believed that the correct choice was made and suggested that the playmaker was looking for the collision.
Speaking with Football Insider, Hackett stated:
“There’s no doubt the defender made contact with Cunha. The problem is that the guy was already falling backwards and looking for a penalty kick.
“The referee is right on. VAR will not get involved because the error is not plain and obvious. When a foul is committed, players frequently exaggerate their fall, which often causes the referee to call it off. Saliba has made a serious attempt to get the ball, and Cunha is already on his way down. Why isn’t he facing the goal? There are many questions to be asked here. As a fan, I understand why Manchester United wanted a penalty.
Interestingly, former Arsenal youth striker Jay Bothroyd, who has previously claimed to being a Gunners fan, argued on Sky Sports’ ‘Ref Watch’ that United deserved a penalty, despite former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher’s assertion to the contrary.
It wasn’t Hackett’s only bold judgment of the weekend; he also suggested that Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi should have been sent off against Liverpool, despite VAR clearing him during the game.
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