Different treatment for Manchester United and Manchester City stars?
Manchester United record signing Angel di Maria has every right to be furious with referee Michael Oliver if an image from last night’s match was anything to go by.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany put his hands on the official’s chest while remonstrating with him, during their defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Was any action taken? None at all.
Di Maria meanwhile was sent off last month during United’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, having tapped Oliver on the back in an effort to get his attention.
United lost the game and exited the cup, and the Argentine was roundly criticised and mocked for his actions.
Kompany’s similar example does not mean Di Maria was right in doing what he did, but the inconsistency in refereeing in English football is back at the fore.
Had Michael Oliver taken as dim a view of the Belgian invading his personal space, then the centre-back would be suspended for this weekend’s Manchester derby, a game Di Maria is back available for.
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