Decisions, decisions. Amad Diallo was a penalty. That gets given as a free-kick anywhere else on the pitch. It’s even more a penalty than the Matheus Cunha penalty (which was a pen, however “soft”). Amad was just less theatrical. Penalty not given. Wrong decision. Harry Maguire was a penalty and red card. DOGSO. Penalty and red card given. Correct decision. 

Understandable debate over the decisions and inevitable frustration for Manchester United. But United have benefited from decisions that go their way this season. All clubs have these issues, examples, frustrations. The main issue here is …

1) General standard of officiating in the Premier League. Amad decision was poor. Even more investment required in grass-roots refereeing, in fast-tracking talent, in training up academy graduates who don’t make it as pros, and in continued work to improve further the Select Group refs. PL has some good officials. Just need more.

2) Football belongs to fans, not officials. Fans deserve to know what is going on in real time. When decision/incident being discussed by officials, audio should be played live. The authorities don’t want to, feel it places too much pressure on officials so content themselves with brief explanation when announcing decision and clarification on PL Match Centre. Fans in the stadium and tuning in pay a lot for tickets and subscriptions, respectively, and shouldn’t be kept in the dark.

Audio works well in rugby union and cricket (and acknowledging those sports have more pauses in play). l went to a VAR demonstration (not PL) earlier this week given by an elite official. Hearing the audio between officials gave insight into the process - and respect for what they are dealing with at speed, especially with players trying to con them. 

You are never going to get complete consistency over decisions. There’s always going to be an element of subjectivity with so many incidents. But fans deserve more transparency and accountability. It might restore some trust. #BOUMUN

Lol wow, exactly the same thing the Bournemouth player did against Ahmad and we get a red.

#MUFC #PremierLeague #BOUMUN #FediFC

Chyba pierwszy raz od dawna jestem swiadkiem, kiedy #sedziowanie w #PremierLeague zblizylo sie poziomem do #LaLiga

#BOUMUN #PilkaNozna #football

Pretty sure we need 4 more goals. We all know #Bournmouth scores lots against us.

#MUFC #PremierLeague #BOUMUN #FediFC

I like how the cameras always point to the guy at fault. Like, "hey everyone, this guy f'd up!" 😂

#MUFC #PremierLeague #BOUMUN #FediFC