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Manchester United fans have been infuriated by a lack of refereeing consistency.
Harry Maguire’s extra-game ban for swearing was one of two controversies that frustrated Manchester United fans last week.
The other was a red card handed to Lisandro Martinez for a ‘hair pull’ against Leeds. He is now serving a three-game suspension.
But what really made the Martinez sending off worse, was that Brentford’s Dango Ouattara avoided a red card for a hair pull against Fulham at the weekend.
Ridiculously, it was the same referee, Paul Tierney overseeing both matches.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg told United In Focus that Manchester United should feel ‘aggrieved’ with the lack of consistency.
However, Sky Sports expert Dermot Gallagher disagrees.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty ImagesGallagher backs Ouattara let-off
During the Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports, former official Dermot Gallagher argued that he was not convinced there was enough contact to warrant ‘violent conduct’.
He commented: “No conclusive evidence that he’s done it deliberately. It falls under violent conduct because it has to fall under something.
“It’s very personal, but there’s no conclusive evidence that Dango pulls his hair.”
It was argued last week that Lisandro Martinez had only touched Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, rather than yanking it.
Former footballer Jay Bothroyd argued there was little difference between the two incidents – and believes neither should have been red cards.
He told Sky Sports: “I don’t think he’s done it intentionally. That comes under the realm of Martinez. I don’t think he did it deliberately [on Calvert-Lewin].”
Lisandro Martinez has been SENT OFF for a hair pull – Let us know your thoughts…
It was described as ‘violent conduct’
Getty Images Ouattara free to face Man Utd
The frustrating aspect about the outcome of the Brentford incident is that it does directly impact Manchester United.
Dango Ouattara is now available to play for Brentford at Old Trafford against Manchester United in their next game, instead of serving a three-game ban.
Lisandro Martinez is serving the second match of his three-game ban, and will miss the fixture.
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