Man Utd fans FUME as VAR denies clear penalty call in Spurs defeat

FT Desk

Updated: 19 Aug 2023 22:05 BST
3 min read

Manchester United fans had reason to feel aggrieved on Saturday as the Red Devils saw a strong penalty shout turned down on their way to defeat against Tottenham.

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United once more toiled in front of goal following their narrow victory over Wolves to kick off the season on Monday, lacking cutting edge against the hosts.

And Spurs took full advantage at the start of the second half.

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Pape Sarr struck past Andre Onana to open the scoring for the hosts, and they were able to see out the lead against United's toothless attack before an unfortunate Lisandro Martinez own goal put the result beyond doubt late on.

But prior to Sarr's goal, United believed they should have had the chance to hit from the spot.

Midway through the first half, Alejandro Garnacho saw his shot on the edge of the area blocked by the hand of Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero.

Despite the fact that the defender's hand was raised away from the body, though, the decision, backed by a VAR review, was that no foul had been committed.

United supporters turn on Oliver

United fans were incensed by the call and wasted no time letting referee Michael Oliver know how they felt...

Michael Oliver clearly got a Spurs shirt on tonight...
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) August 19, 2023

Michael Oliver has been in grandstanding mode since he didn't give United a penalty. Fernandes booked for some backchat.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 19, 2023