“It first made contact with his chest, then deflected onto his arm, and his arm was tucked in”- The former Premier League referee explained on Sky Sports gives a clear Verdict on Cristian Romero Handball Controversy. Should Man’u Awarded penalty according to Dermot Gallagher verdict?
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Dermot Gallagher believes the decision not to award Manchester United a penalty during their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford was correct.
The incident occurred in the second half while United were trying to gain momentum to reduce the deficit. Alejandro Garnacho’s cross struck the arm of Tottenham center-back Cristian Romero. However, referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed United’s appeals and allowed play to continue. United ultimately suffered their third Premier League loss of the season, compounded by Bruno Fernandes receiving a red card in the first half, which left Erik ten Hag’s side facing an uphill battle.
Gallagher supported Kavanagh’s decision, noting that the ball hit Romero’s chest before touching his arm. “It also hit his chest first; it comes off his chest onto his arm, and his arm is tucked in,” the former Premier League referee explained on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “It’s not a handball. It happens quickly, but he indicated where it hit him.”
The Premier League Match Centre also confirmed that Romero’s arm was in a “natural position,” stating that VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the referee’s decision not to award a penalty.
This penalty appeal was just one of many controversial moments in an eventful match, including the contentious red card for Fernandes. The 30-year-old was penalized for serious foul play following a challenge on Tottenham’s James Maddison and will be suspended for three matches unless a successful appeal is made.
