There was serious miscommunication somewhere — I was clearly told not to give the penalty to Manchester United. Now just a few hours later, I’m the one under fire! That was a blatant penalty, everyone saw it. I made the call, but I was overruled — simple as that. Blame whoever gave the order, not me. United were robbed and now I’m being thrown under the bus. This whole situation is a complete mess and it’s unfair! They just want us to end the season in a very bad state if possible even relegated💔🙀😱 But is this truly a penalty???

Massive Controversy Erupts: Referee Claims He Was Ordered to Deny Manchester United a Penalty

 

Following Manchester United’s tense 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, a shocking revelation has surfaced. A match official has alleged that he was instructed not to award a penalty to United — a claim that could have enormous implications for the Premier League.

 

“There was clear confusion — I was told outright not to give the penalty to Manchester United,” the referee confessed. “Now, hours later, I’m the one being criticized! Everyone saw it was a clear penalty. I made the decision on the field, but it was taken out of my hands. People need to look at who gave the order, not at me. United were robbed, and now I’m left to face the backlash alone. It’s a complete disaster and incredibly unfair!”

 

The incident at the center of the storm occurred when Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams made a reckless two-footed challenge on United’s Alejandro Garnacho. Referee Peter Bankes, after consultation with VAR, decided to issue only a yellow card, sparking immediate outrage. The Premier League later backed the decision on their Match Centre X account, but furious United fans believe a red card was the only correct call.

 

Adding fuel to the fire, two penalty appeals involving Harry Maguire were also dismissed without any VAR review.

 

United salvaged a point thanks to a last-gasp equalizer from Rasmus Højlund, but the fallout from the officiating decisions continues to dominate headlines.

 

This isn’t the first time Manchester United has found itself on the wrong side of contentious refereeing calls. In a recent match against West Ham, a penalty awarded against Matthijs de Ligt led to a 2-1 defeat — a decision later admitted to be wrong by PGMOL chief Howard Webb.

 

Calls for greater transparency and accountability in refereeing are growing louder among United’s leadership and fanbase, as trust in the Premier League’s officiating processes continues to erode.

 

 

—

 

Key Revelations:

 

The referee claimed he initially awarded the penalty but was overruled, hinting at interference from VAR officials or higher authorities.

 

He stressed that United were “robbed” and he is unfairly taking the blame.

 

Tyler Adams’ dangerous tackle on Garnacho was controversially deemed only worthy of a yellow card.

 

Two additional penalty appeals for United were completely ignored.

 

 

 

—

 

Why This Is a Huge Scandal:

 

Referees are supposed to maintain full independence on decisions made during matches.

 

VAR is meant to advise, not overturn calls without the referee’s independent review.

 

External pressure or interference in decision-making violates FIFA, UEFA, and Premier League rules.

 

Public trust in the fairness of Premier League games is now under serious threat.

 

 

 

—

 

Context to Keep in Mind:

 

The tackle on Garnacho was already widely seen as a textbook red card.

 

Manchester United have faced a series of controversial decisions this season, suggesting a pattern rather than isolated incidents.

 

PGMOL, led by Howard Webb, is under increasing scrutiny for officiating standards.

 

 

 

—

 

Possible Fallout:

 

If the referee’s claims are verified, it could trigger official investigations by FIFA or the Premier League.

 

PGMOL leadership could face consequences, with possible suspensions or dismissals among officials.

 

United might demand public apologies, release of VAR communication, or even legal actions to ensure fairness.

 

A larger VAR system overhaul might be pushed forward, including broadcasting VAR discussions live, similar to practices in rugby and cricket.

 

 

 

—

 

Bottom Line:

 

This is far bigger than a missed penalty. It suggests potential systemic corruption within the officiating ranks — a scandal that could rock English football to its core if proven true.

 

Manchester United must now push aggressively for transparency to

defend the club’s reputation and to protect the integrity of the game itself.