In a fiery FA Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, defender Felipe faced scrutiny after seemingly grabbing Bruno Fernandes by the throat.
Despite the heated altercation occurring towards the end of stoppage time, Felipe went unpunished, adding fuel to the controversy surrounding the match.
Outcry on Social Media: Man United Fans Express Fury over Alleged Throat Grab
Man United fans took to social media to express their frustration over the apparent inconsistency in officiating.
Many pointed out the contrast between Felipe’s unpunished throat grab on Fernandes and a similar incident involving Casemiro, who received a red card and a three-match ban for a similar offense in the previous season.
VAR Inconsistency Highlighted: Fans Question Refereeing Decisions in the FA Cup Clash
The video footage of the altercation intensified the debate on VAR inconsistency, with fans questioning why the technology did not intervene in Felipe’s case.
Social media posts highlighted the perceived biased refereeing, emphasizing the need for clarity on the criteria for such decisions.
Fan Outrage: VAR Bias and Comparisons to Past Incidents
Man United supporters expressed their outrage, citing the apparent bias in refereeing decisions.
Some drew comparisons to past incidents, particularly noting Casemiro’s red card for a similar offense.
The debate on VAR’s effectiveness and its role in maintaining consistency in decision-making took center stage.
Erik ten Hag Defends Fernandes: Manager Addresses Targeting of Star Player
Man United manager Erik ten Hag defended Bruno Fernandes, acknowledging the targeting of the star player during the FA Cup clash.
Despite facing numerous fouls, Fernandes played through the pain barrier, showcasing his leadership and high pain threshold.
Controversial Refereeing Calls: Gibbs-White’s Instagram Story Raises Eyebrows
In addition to the missed potential sending-off, other contentious refereeing decisions emerged during the FA Cup clash.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White hinted at dissatisfaction with officiating consistencies through a now-deleted Instagram story.
The post compared the build-up to Casemiro’s winner with Liverpool’s disallowed goal in the Carabao Cup final, adding another layer to the ongoing debate on refereeing in football.
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