PGMOL boss Howard Webb has reportedly admitted to Manchester United that the referee made a costly mistake during their 3-1 loss to Brentford last weekend.
Refereeing error costs United dearly
During United’s defeat to Brentford, a contentious moment arose when Nathan Collins brought down Bryan Mbeumo inside the box, earning the visitors a penalty.
A cross into the box saw Mbeumo get a touch, only for Collins to bring him down illegally – an incident that clearly looked like a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
After a lengthy review, the referee gave the penalty but did not show Collins a red card, much to the bemusement of the United players and the travelling supporters. Fernandes missed the penalty and Brentford sealed the win in stoppage time courtesy of Matthias Jensen’s late strike.
After the final whistle, Ruben Amorim revealed that the referee told him that Collins was not given his marching orders because Mbeumo was not in control of the ball.
Due to the disappointing result, Amorim’s future was the subject of intense speculation over the following days before Saturday’s 2-0 win against Sunderland.
According to the Daily Mail, Webb told United executives Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox that the referee made a mistake and Collins should have been shown a red card.
Webb apologises to United
Mike Keegan reveals that Wilcox and Berrada sought an explanation from Webb regarding the matter. It’s understood that Webb acknowledged the error.
The newspaper adds, “The club have not made a public fuss over the situation but behind the scenes have acted given the potential implications for under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim.”
“They are understood to have appreciated Webb’s honesty and transparency in acknowledging the mistake.”
There’s no denying that if the Bees had been reduced to 10 men, United would have gained a significant advantage and might have managed to salvage something from the game.
Amorim and his players are back in action on October 19 when they travel to Anfield to face bitter rivals Liverpool.
Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
