Why did Manchester United's penalty against Fulham stand while a similar foul went unpunished?
Analysis of why Manchester United were awarded a penalty against Fulham after a VAR review, while a similar holding offence was overlooked before their opener.
Manchester United earned a penalty after VAR confirmed Calvin Bassey held Mason Mount in the 33rd minute at Craven Cottage.
VAR overturns on-field decision
Referee Chris Kavanagh initially waved play on, but after a VAR review he returned to the pitchside monitor and awarded the spot-kick for Bassey's pull on United's midfielder. Bruno Fernandes missed the kick, firing over the bar.
Similar foul overlooked
At almost the same moment, United full-back Luke Shaw wrapped his arms around Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, yet this incident went unpunished. Officials judged Shaw's hold less clear and decided Bassey's foul occurred first, justifying the penalty.
Fulham's opening goal stood
In the 58th minute, Fulham took the lead from a corner when Leny Yoro's header, which appeared to push Bassey, deflected off Muniz. VAR did not intervene, as referees considered the contact insufficient for a foul.
VAR's intervention underscored the Premier League's strict stance on holding in the penalty area, penalising clear non-footballing actions regardless of timing.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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