Why were Man Utd allowed a penalty kick after the final whistle? That’s what happened as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side snatched all three points at Brighton.
After being defeated 3-1 by Crystal Palace in their season opener, the Red Devils have picked up their first Premier League win this season, but it nearly wasn’t to be.
Under controversial circumstances, they edged out a narrow 3-2 win against a brave Brighton side, however, they were handed a spot kick, no surprise there, but it came AFTER the referee blew the full time whistle, leaving many confused.
There was huge drama as Manchester United were awarded a match-winning penalty *after* the final whistle v Brighton ⚽️
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 26, 2020
So why were Man Utd allowed to take their penalty after the match had supposedly ended?
A handball incident came prior to the end of the game, Harry Maguire’s header hit the raised arm of Neal Maupay, which was cleared off the line by Solly March – seconds before the whistle blew in the 98th minute.
Games are allowed to be restarted following a VAR check, despite the referee having already blown his whistle to signal the end of the game.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), there are no time restrictions for reviewing incidents.
“There is no time limit for the review process as accuracy is more important than speed,” the IFAB states.
“The referee and other match officials must always make an initial decision (including any disciplinary action) as if there was no VAR (except for a ‘missed’ incident).
“The review process should be completed as efficiently as possible, but the accuracy of the final decision is more important than speed. For this reason, and because some situations are complex with several reviewable decisions/ incidents, there is no maximum time limit for the review process.
“The referee will then take/change/rescind any disciplinary action (where appropriate) and restart play in accordance with the Laws of the Game.”
Bruno Fernandes scored the result penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time. It meant that the Portugal international has now been involved in 17 goals in his 16 Premier League appearances for the club (9 goals and 8 assists).
Neal Maupay broke the deadlock just before half time, putting Brighton 1-0 up just before half-time with a penalty – making it 19 consecutive penalties that David de Gea has now failed to keep out in the Premier League.
However, minutes later, Lewis Dunk scored an own goal to bring United level, and then in the 55th minute, Marcus Rashford put his side 2-1 up not long after he had a goal disallowed for offside.
Solly March equalised in the 95th minute to level the scoreline to 2-2, and that is what looked to be the result.
Though, it was down to a handball incident which came earlier in the game that was looked back at just as the whistle blew and Bruno scored the penalty.
It’s an extremely unlucky result for the Seagulls, who had certainly outplayed Man Utd. Leandro Trossard hit the woodwork three times, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from 2006.
Manchester United now get ready for a meeting with former manager Jose Mourinho in their next match against Tottenham.
Fans gave their reaction as to why Man Utd were allowed a penalty kick after the final whistle, see what they said below…
The VAR handbook clearly states that you’re wrong. pic.twitter.com/ZNK2acipDk
— James Petherick (@jtpetherick) September 26, 2020
some things never change… pic.twitter.com/OcOOAaUkkS
— Florin (@schwarzfootball) September 26, 2020
Maguire embarrassing running to the ref.
— Pröpperganda (@Pr0pperganda) September 26, 2020
Doesn’t matter he didn’t stop the match to check var he ended the match so he broke the set down rules
— Michael Lofthouse (@MichaelLofthou5) September 26, 2020
This is how bad united fans expectations have got over the years ?
— Elliott Purcell (@ElliottPurcell2) September 26, 2020
The weakest penalty decision I’ve seen in years ???
— Jer Dixon (@JeremyDixonDJ) September 26, 2020
Harsh on Brighton who were the better side but that’s a clear handball which happened during the game. So VAR worked fine.
— Alan (@CockOnBallStory) September 26, 2020
It’s so cringe and says a lot for utd fans for actually thinking they deserved a win there. Another small team upset this season ?
— Andy’ (@CFCTydnA) September 26, 2020
A huge disgrace to sport! Let your referees continue to teach us how to hate premier league!! Absolute rubbish!?? Disgusted
— Daniel Blanks (@DanielBlanks6) September 26, 2020
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