Former Premier League referee clarifies two controversial incidents in Arsenal vs Manchester United clash

Dermot Gallagher has claimed Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off for a challenge on Nuno Tavares during Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday. Fernandes caught the Gunners left-back with a late studs-up tackle but was only cautioned by referee Craig Pawson.

The incident was referred to VAR but the original decision was upheld, much to the frustration of Emirates faithful. However, it had little effect on the game with the Gunners comfortably winning the contest 3-1.

Mikel Arteta’s side raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Tavares and a penalty from Bukayo Saka, United pulled one back through Cristiano Ronaldo but the home side sealed all three points with a sensational long range strike from Granit Xhaka. However, former Premier League official Gallagher is adamant that Arsenal should’ve had a man advantage, calling Fernandes ‘lucky’ to remain on the pitch after his foul on Tavares.

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“VAR looked at it and backed the referee, I think it’s a red card, he was just so late, I just think he’s really, really lucky. He told Sky Sports.

United were also left unhappy with a decision from Pawson after he didn’t award a spot kick for handball by Cedric Soares in the first half. The ball did strike the 30-year-old's arm as he was going to ground but Gallagher believes the referee got that one right.

He added: “Because his arm is on the ground it’s deemed supporting his body, because he’s going down he puts his arm on the ground and it struck him rather than he struck the ball. Supporting your body, strikes the arm, they don’t give a penalty.”