Former PL ref slams that VAR got B.Fernandes red card WRONG in Man Utd defeat
FORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey claims Bruno Fernandes was incorrectly sent off during Manchester United's clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
Fernandes saw red in the 42nd minute of the match following a challenge on James Maddison.
While lunging in for a tackle, the 30-year-old slipped and caught the side of Maddison's shin with his boot.
Referee Chris Kavanagh immediately brandished the red card, leaving both Fernandes and manager Erik ten Hag baffled.
VAR agreed with the on-field decision to confirm the United captain's dismissal just a few moments before half-time.
However, ex-Prem ref Halsey believes a review should have been recommended instead.
He told SunSport: "It was a tough one for Chris Kavanagh because in real time it did look like a poor challenge.
"So we cannot be critical of Chris in that situation. When I saw the challenge again, I thought straight away - it's not a red card.
"If we look at the law for serious foul play, a tackle or challenge that endangers an opponent with excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play.
"Whether the challenge is a lunge from the front, the side, the back, it must be sanctioned as a red card.
"Now that, for me, that challenge didn't meet the criteria of serious foul play.
"What you can be critical of is VAR because when you look at it again and you see it again, it's not.
"The challenge doesn't meet the criteria. Yes, he slips and it's the back of his heel that goes down the side of his shin pad. But for me, when VAR look at that and they confirm the decision, I'm looking at that and thinking, do they know the law?
"So in my opinion, I think it was a wrongful dismissal. Had VAR afforded Chris Kavanagh another look, so recommended a review, then I'm sure that Chris would have changed his mind and Bruno Fernandes would not have been sent off from the field of play.
"So I believe that Manchester United have got a strong case for an appeal and they should do that."
Halsey went on to criticise PGMOL chief Howard Webb for his poor handling of some decisions so far this season.
He continued: "They look at red cards and you can upgrade them from a yellow to red. You can downgrade a red to a yellow now. That's what should have happened here.
"So again, Howard Webb has got to look at his training education.
"Another thing that really annoys me is the nonsense that comes out from the matchday centre.
"Regarding the challenge, they need someone there that actually knows the law. The law is clear on serious foul play and that was not serious foul play that endangered the player’s safety with excessive force or brutality.
"So for me, VAR should have looked at that and recommended a review. And, as I say, once Chris had gone and looked at it, and had a review got recommended, then he would have changed decision.
"There are so many inconsistencies, Howard has got to sort this out."
Man Utd went on to lose 3-0 to Tottenham at Old Trafford, leaving them 12th in the Premier League table.
Fernandes himself also insisted he should not have been sent off.
He said: "Even James Maddison when he gets up he said it’s not a red card. If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents.
"I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him [referee] to the screen.
"The red card makes it worse. I have to appreciate all the effort my team-mates have done to try and return to the game but it wasn't possible. They showed great effort and character and I was happy for that."
