"VAR Controversy: Man Utd Fans Outraged Over Premier League's Take on Amad's 'Clear Cut' Penalty Denial"

Table of Contents

• Penalty Denied for Amad Diallo
• Reactions from Fans
• Match Outcome

MANCHESTER UNITED supporters were left frustrated with the VAR officials after Amad Diallo was denied a “clear” penalty against Brighton.

Diallo was brought down in the 16th minute, but the referee did not award a penalty.

Amad Diallo went down in the box during the first half, but no penalty was awarded.Credit: bein sports Supporters insisted it was a ‘clear’ penalty, but VAR determined that Maxim De Cuyper got the ball.Credit: AFP

The United winger skillfully maneuvered the ball away from De Cuyper in the penalty area before the Dutchman extended his leg and seemingly caught Diallo on the shin.

Diallo fell to the ground, but referee Anthony Taylor dismissed the penalty appeals, allowing play to continue.

Officials at Stockley Park reviewed the incident but concluded that De Cuyper had made contact with the ball.

A Premier League statement read: “The referee’s decision of no penalty for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR, as it was deemed that De Cuyper played the ball.”

However, fans were left shocked by this decision, asserting that it was a “clear” penalty.

One fan commented on X: “That is a clear penalty on Amad. I don’t understand how this wasn’t given for Manchester United. Anthony Taylor…”

A second supporter added on Reddit: “This is why VAR is flawed. VAR can argue that it’s not ‘clear and obvious,’ which means the referee doesn’t get a second look.”

A third questioned whether there was actual contact with the ball, stating: “[Premier League] said ‘nick on the ball’ but I can’t see it… Was there one?”

Another criticized VAR, remarking: “That’s an easy decision to make in real-time; you shouldn’t need a video review. To miss it again is absolutely ridiculous.”

One commentator felt that De Cuyper did make slight contact with the ball but acknowledged it wasn't a great challenge.

He stated: “It wasn’t a strong play from De Cuyper. He pulls his leg back. The touch on the ball saves him.”

United eventually took the lead in the 24th minute, with a goal from their striker, marking his first for the Red Devils by finding the far corner of the net.

United then doubled their lead just ten minutes later, as another strike was deflected off Ayari and rolled into an empty net.

United also had another penalty appeal earlier in the match when another player went down near the edge of the area, but some teammates argued it occurred just inside the box.

Ultimately, Taylor decided it wasn't even a foul, and play continued.

VAR reviewed the footage but determined that the incident occurred outside the box, which meant they could not intervene.