MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left fuming after Dermot Gallagher backed Arsenal’s handball penalty against Tottenham – before failing to explain why the Red Devils had a similar incident rejected last month.
Cristian Romero gave away a spot-kick in yesterday’s 2-2 derby after sliding to block a shot in Spurs’ penalty area.
The defender’s arm was turned upwards as he slid towards the action.
And the ball crashed into it as it was kicked from almost point-blank range
VAR then controversially awarded a penalty in Arsenal’s favour.
Almost the exact same incident occurred during Man United’s 2-0 defeat to Spurs last month.
Alejandro Garnacho’s effort hit Romero’s hand as the Argentine dived in for a block.
But that appeal for a penalty was turned down.
And speaking at the time, former ref Gallagher claimed it was the right decision to not penalise Romero.
He said after the game: “I would say 100 per cent no, the feeling is he was so close.”
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However, speaking today on Sky Sports, Gallagher said it was correct to award Arsenal a penalty for virtually the same incident.
He said: “[Romero]’s arms are out, he blocks the shot going in.
“He’s had a massive stroke of luck not being sent off.”
He was then put on the spot by pundit Stephen Warnock, who asked why United didn’t get a penalty for a similar handball.
But Gallagher dodged giving an answer by continuing to talk about Arsenal.
Gallagher added: “His arm’s out, VAR’s seen it, it’s heading towards goal, it didn’t surprise me it was given.”
United fans reacted in fury, with many questioning why Gallagher sidestepped explaining why their penalty shout against Spurs was ignored.
One said: “Not even remotely surprised at that pathetic response. They can do what they want with zero repercussions. The inconsistency and lack of effort to change it is laughable.”
Another declared: “Is this the standard of officiating the biggest league in the world deserves? It’s a system with no controls, absolutely rancid and clearly lacking in objectivity.”
One noted: “The pause after he gets asked the question says it all.”
Another added: “What’s the point of having this segment, just call it ‘Dermot Gallagher defenders referee decisions no matter what’.”
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