Mark Clattenburg highlights ‘clear’ VAR mistake in Man United’s 4-2 victory over Brighton

Follow us on Google Discover

Mark Clattenburg was left in disbelief over one particular decision as Manchester United edged Brighton at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s side edged out Brighton in a wild 4-2 clash at Old Trafford, picking up their third straight Premier League win.

Bryan Mbeumo added two more goals to his tally, while Matheus Cunha was named Player of the Match after scoring for the first time this season.

Ruben Amorim had plenty of positives to take away from the match, and the result pushes United up to fourth in the league table.

However, before the goals began to flow at Old Trafford, a moment of refereeing controversy left fans incensed.

Mark Clattenburg shares his view on Amad Diallo’s penalty appeal

Ahead of Cunha’s opener, there was an early incident involving Amad Diallo, who was brought down in the box after a challenge from Maxim De Cuyper.

The contact between both was clear, but Anthony Taylor decided against awarding a penalty, and VAR chose not to step in.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg stated in an exclusive interview with United in Focus that the decision was incorrect.

“I am still not sure how Anthony Taylor or the VAR failed to spot a clear foul by Maxim De Cuyper on Amad Diallo,” he began by saying.

“It was a clear trip inside the penalty area and a penalty kick should have been awarded. This was a clear error from the referee and the VAR should have recommended a review.”

Premier League issues statement on Man United penalty decision

The challenge on Amad looked like a clear foul, yet play continued without VAR even taking a look.

Following the incident, the Premier League issued an official statement detailing the refereeing team’s decision-making process.

The statement claimed that “De Cuyper played the ball,” but replays show very little contact with the ball. The main contact appeared to be the Belgian full-back tripping Amad and blocking him from continuing play.

• READ MORE: Leny Yoro hints Man Utd’s best physical presence hasn’t started in the Premier League yet

Amorim usually keeps his comments to himself when it comes to officiating calls, and fortunately for United, his side did not dwell on it. Cunha and Casemiro both scored soon after to put them in control of the match.