Martin Keown ‘could not believe’ Manchester United were awarded penalty vs Nottingham Forest
Manchester United pulled off a dramatic comeback win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with goals from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro and a late penalty from Bruno Fernandes. The decisive spot-kick was awarded after referee Stuart Attwell adjudged Danilo to have fouled Marcus Rashford as he chased the ball into the box, though there was minimal contact. The decision – and VAR’s lack of intervention – divided fans and pundits, with Arsenal legend Martin Keown left incensed.
Keown questions VAR officials’ capabilities
Keown questioned the officials’ capabilities, referring to former VAR man Mike Dean’s shocking admission that he once chose not to send referee Anthony Taylor to the VAR monitor ‘because he is a mate’.
‘I wondered whether it is a moment where you think: “Did they [the VAR officials] actually see it?”,’ he told BBC Sport.
‘We had that revelation from Mike Dean that there was a moment where he wanted to protect the referee. Well is this the same thing? I cannot believe that the officials have come to that decision and awarded a penalty. I look forward to the day where the officials can communicate their decisions to us, and explain their workings out in the VAR room.’
Forest manager Steve Cooper unimpressed
Forest manager Steve Cooper was equally unimpressed with the penalty decision, though chose not express his full opinion.
‘The modern referees are top ones – they really take their time over things,’ he told BBC Match of the Day.
‘It was the opposite today. I’d love to talk more and say what I really think, but I can’t do that.
‘I’m not going to talk too much about the decisions because I don’t want to get myself into trouble, but the only thing I was surprised about was how quickly the decisions were made at that moment in time.’
Conclusion
The penalty decision in Manchester United’s win over Nottingham Forest has been met with criticism from fans and pundits alike, with Martin Keown questioning the capabilities of VAR officials and Forest manager Steve Cooper unimpressed with how quickly the decision was made. With VAR technology becoming increasingly prevalent in football, it is important that officials are held accountable for their decisions and that communication between them and fans is improved.