The FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United has gotten off to a feisty start because of the controversy surrounding Casemiro and Jack Grealish in the first half.
After Casemiro avoided a red card during the FA Cup Final while Jack Grealish’s ‘handball’ was awarded for a penalty, fans have expressed their anger with VAR.
Today’s (June 3) matchup between Manchester local and Manchester United was undoubtedly a competitive match between the two local rivals.
Rivalries, particularly in a cup final, are never without controversy; Casemiro of United avoided a red card despite a hard foul on Manuel Akanji of City.
VAR was called in to review the judgement, but they determined that neither a red nor even a yellow card was warranted because some supporters believed the Brazilian midfielder was lucky.
One supporter put referee David Coote’s phony Facebook profile picture with his header depicting a photo of Old Trafford, which is why the account is not controlled by the referee. Should have also been a City penalty.
A third person tweeted: “No red card for Casemiro?,” while another stated: “United always get blessed with these decisions.” This is why VAR in football is so crucial! Man United made some fortunate choices there.
The blockbuster game’s first half saw further controversy as Man United was given a penalty after Jack Grealish was found to have handled the ball after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s header.
Referee Paul Tierney’s first judgment to award a penalty, which was converted by Bruno Fernandes to tie the score, was upheld by VAR, which is being utilized by Coote during the championship.
Fans expressed their disappointment with the decision nonetheless, with one writing: “Makes you wonder how Manchester United went for years without a major trophy despite having all referees behind them.”
Another fan tweeted: “[Officiating] team have had a mare so far today. It’s been a below standard performance from the officials today. Joke.”
Since making his debut in English football last summer, Casemiro’s discipline has been an issue for both him and Manchester United.
The former Real Madrid player has got seven yellow cards and two straight red cards in the 28 Premier League games he has played this season.
He has got 13 yellow cards across all competitions in his first season at the club, and many on social media believe the five-time Champions League winner ought to have been sent out for the third time this year.
