Fans demand explanation as to why Wes Burns avoided being sent off for handball

Fans demand an explanation as to why Wes Burns avoided being sent off for a handball in Ipswich’s league opener against Liverpool.

There groans of frustration from the home crowd on the 25th minute as Wes Burns became the third Ipswich player to be booked already for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister.

Many thought Wes Burns was lucky to not receive a second one on the 40th minute, seen deliberately hooking the ball away with his hand after falling down to ground when contesting for possession with Jota.

Sky Sports News’ Paul Gilmour, at Portman Road, said: “Arne Slot having a word with the fourth official Keith Stroud as they walk down the touchline at half time.

“It hasn’t been a comfortable first 45 minutes of Premier League football for him. Ipswich are enjoying themselves.”

Yes, this should have been a second yellow for Wes Burns

Care to give an explanation @PLMatchCentre ?pic.twitter.com/Q6ZJSQkXXK

— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) August 17, 2024

Thoughts on this excellent save and clearance by Wes Burns, James? pic.twitter.com/dSzguS43Yo

— Bar (@BarLFC) August 17, 2024

Peter Crouch talking at half time on the Wes Burns deliberate handball after being already on a yellow): “If he’s not on a yellow he definitely gets one there.”

Michael Owen also agreed saying he was very lucky avoid a second yellow.

Then on the 51st minute, Wes Burns pulled up after a footrace with Gravenberch, went back on the pitch before Ben Johnson replaced him.

Shortly after, on the 60th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold sent Mo Salah through, who squared to Jota to fire in and put the Reds ahead.

Five minutes after that, Salah poked in from close range for Liverpool’s second of the game.

Wes Burns had to be taken off for Ipswich Town in the second half. Sprinting mechanism and ice brings concern for a hamstring strain.

Ice placed on the lower hamstring likely indicative of a lower-grade hamstring issue, rather than a multi-week absence. Scans to confirm… pic.twitter.com/6ZHhAUHV8Z

— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) August 17, 2024

Wes Burns going off. About 20 minutes after he should be

— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) August 17, 2024

As mentioned, fans demand an explanation as to why Wes Burns avoided being sent off for handball, many contacting @PGMOL and the @PLMatchCentre.

The latter is a new operational hub for all Premier League matches. This Twitter account provides information directly from Match Centre, the VAR Hub and PGMOL experts.

@0PINI0N4T3D: Wes Burns should be off there. Deliberate handball and kicking the ball away when on a yellow card. Ref is having a shocking and has absolutely bottled it.

@mike_reptar: @PLMatchCentre any explanation as to why Wes Burns wasn’t shown a 2nd yellow on the clearly deliberate handball?

@MichaelBuckle17: No idea how Wes Burns hasn’t been sent off hahaha on a yellow, blatant handball 😂😂 still on pitch somehow

@Ollie_Furniss10: How is Wes Burns still on the pitch then 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@LFCJ4C0B: Wes burns should be off aswell how can u stamp on someone achilles and get a yellow then 15 mins later when diaz is through deliberately smack the ball away and not get sent off fucking joke need to do smth second half or we are fucked

@dubsoulrebel: Interesting call by the ref at Portman Road. Did he decide not to give a second yellow card to Wes Burns for a clear deliberate handball because he was already on a yellow. It really had to be a second booking

@_Jessbrydon: Seems as tho Wes Burns has been watching Odegaard last season, that is the clearest handball ever how on earth has that not been another card #IPSLIV

@EiFSoccer: Would’ve been unfortunate for the game, but Wes Burns should be sent off there. On a yellow card and he deliberately handles the ball to prevent Jota going around him. Clear 2nd yellow.

@only___LFC: First game of the season and we’ve already been robbed. Wes Burns intentionally handled the ball while being on Yellow but he didn’t receive a red card. #IPSLIV

@FootieLetsTalk: Surely, that has to be a second yellow card for Wes Burns. Nothing accidental about that handball. #IPSLIV

@AskChristiansen: @PLMatchCentre deliberate handball and no yellow given? Where is the transparency you were supposed to provide us with?

@Anthony_Bulmer: Ipswich fans moaning at Robertson moving the ball a yard after they’ve just got away with Wes Burns not been sent off for a second yellow for deliberate handball 😂🙈

@Tom300505: Wes burns should be off!!! 2 yellows. Back to awful officiating.

@FarvaRangers: How’s he not been booked there? Should be a 2nd yellow for Wes Burns, he’s just slapped the ball away with his arm. No wonder the referees get slated.

@GetAHurrCutMan_: Would love the wonderful @FA_PGMOL to explain why Wes Burns is still on the pitch after that. #IPSLIV

@wrighty1973: @PLMatchCentre no handball ball then… well done 👏🏻

@james_mcghan: Why has Wes Burns not been sent off?!? 🤬🤬 fucking joke these officials are. Hate this league honestly #IPSLIV

@tomtannerr: Wes Burns not getting a second yellow for punching the ball away from Jota’s feet. The Barclays is back

@Liam_In_The_Sky: Wes Burns should be off. #IpsLiv

@TomStirk1992: How’s Wes Burns got away with that then 🤣

@CJRadcliffe96: How has Wes Burns not been sent off here?

@0PINI0N4T3D: Wes Burns should be off there. Deliberate handball and kicking the ball away when on a yellow card. Ref is having a shocking and has absolutely bottled it.