why Man Utd?
Here’s what you need to know about why the Red Devils were awarded a spot-kick after the referee blew for the end of the match
Manchester United have registered their first Premier League win this season, but under controversial circumstances – edging out a narrow 3-2 win against a plucky Brighton side, with the match-winning goal coming through a penalty after the referee had blown the full-time whistle.
So why were Man Utd allowed to take their penalty after the match had supposedly ended? Goal takes a look.
Why were Man Utd allowed a penalty kick against Brighton after the final whistle?
Man Utd was awarded a penalty because the handball incident occurred prior to referee Chris Kavanagh blowing for the full-time whistle, which allowed for VAR to check the incident.
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.
Brighton vs Man Utd
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.
Also, Read Shatta Wale net worth 2020
“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 from the spot in the 10th minute of stoppage time to edge out a narrow 3-2 victory against Brighton.
The Portugal international has now been involved in 17 goals in his 16 Premier League appearances for Man Utd (9 goals, 8 assists).
It was a thriller of a match, with Maupay putting Brighton 1-0 up at the Amex just before half-time with a penalty – which means that David de Gea has now failed to keep out 19 consecutive penalties in the Premier League.
Goal number 1️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ in #MUFC‘s history 🥰
Read more about @MarcusRashford‘s milestone strike 👇
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 26, 2020
Lewis Dunk scored an own goal to bring United level, with Marcus Rashford then netting to make it 2-1 just moments after he had a goal disallowed for offside.
March equalised in the 95th minute to level the scoreline to 2-2, which looked set to be the final score, only for the handball incident to happen just as the whistle blew to grant a much-needed three points for the visiting side.
It will be a devastating loss for Brighton, who had thoroughly outplayed United. Leandro Trossard hit the woodwork three times, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record from 2006.
“We got away with one,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted on BT Sport after Manchester United’s 3-2 win at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.
The Norwegian’s side hadn’t just “got away with one”, though. This was daylight robbery.
United had stolen three points – their first of the season – in the most unimaginable way possible, with Bruno Fernandes converting a 100th-minute penalty – after the full-time whistle had already gone
And this, at the end of a crazy game, an instant classic, in which the visitors had been utterly outplayed from start to finish.
Indeed, Brighton boss Graham Potter described the result as a “cruel blow” and it would be hard to find anyone who disagreed with him.
His side produced a brilliant performance, vibrant and exciting. Brighton had 18 shots to United’s seven, with five of the hosts’ efforts on target.
Solskjaer praised his side’s “character” but this was undeniably a performance which only raised more doubts over his team’s quality. Winning ugly is a trait of all good sides but this was truly horrific.
Brighton hit the woodwork five times – the most since records began in 2003-04 – and, just as they had in last weekend’s loss at home to Crystal Palace, United lacked intensity, aggression and pace in their play.
While Potter had his side well drilled, United could not deal with their effective system. Twice in the space of seven days, United have managed to make teams who finished 14th and 15th last season look like Bayern Munich.
There can be no excuses this time either.
Manchester City’s dazzling display against Wolves on Monday had already undermined Solskjaer’s argument that the lack of a proper pre-season had significantly hindered those sides who were still competing in Europe in August.
Even before kick-off, the former striker had admitted that his team were looking a lot fitter and sharper having had another seven days in training and a useful run-out in the Carabao Cup at Luton in midweek.
However, United looked anything but refreshed on the south coast.
Manchester United opened their Premier League account with a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace, and will now prepare for a meeting with former manager Jose Mourinho in their next match against Tottenham.
Hear what Bruno Fernandes said after the match
🔊 Sound 🔛 to hear from the man himself!#MUFC https://t.co/VtDvxtlKes pic.twitter.com/GBrjNNYQSm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 26, 2020