Manchester United thought they should have had a penalty in the first half against Tottenham Hotspur when Alejandro Garnacho went down in the box
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho pictured just before he claims he was fouled by Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie (Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United have been told Alejandro Garnacho did not receive enough contact in the area during their draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Garnacho was incensed in the first half when he felt Destiny Udogie had tugged him to the ground inside the area. Referee John Brooks had a good position and waved play on while VAR also looked at the incident and agreed with the on-field decision.
The fallout continued after the final whistle as Erik ten Hag took aim at the officials. He told reporters, as quoted by The Evening Standard: “Yes [it was a penalty]. What can you do? But I am used to it, all season that is the case.
“At Spurs was similar, a clear handball from [Cristian] Romero and I can list a number more. In some point I think it will turn.”
While Ten Hag, Garnacho and most of Old Trafford thought it was a spot kick, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained to Ref Watch why Brooks and his team made the right call. “I didn’t think there was enough in it for there to be a penalty,” he said.
“But as a defender, why would you do this? Why would you run the risk? He doesn’t have to do that. It doesn’t look right, does it?
“He’s got hold of him, making contact, but he’s not pulled him down. I’d have been really surprised if a penalty had been given.”
Spurs can put VAR and refereeing decisions to the back of their minds now as they look ahead to their winter break this weekend. Tottenham return to action on Friday, January 26 when they host Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round.
