Manchester United supporters expressed frustration over Diogo Dalot’s red card, highlighting a lack of consistency after Darwin Nunez avoided a similar punishment during the intense game between the two Premier League rivals.
In the dying moments of the 0-0 draw, Dalot protested a throw-in decision, earning himself a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver after his animated reaction to a challenge involving Mohamed Salah. Just seconds later, he received a second yellow for further dissent, leading to his dismissal and reducing United to ten men.
However, United fans were baffled by Nunez’s escape from similar consequences despite his own display of dissent. Nunez received an early booking for an incident involving Jonny Evans but was fortunate not to receive a second yellow for kicking the ball away and sarcastically applauding match officials.
The lack of consistency in the referee’s decisions left United supporters agitated. They pointed out the contrast between Dalot’s dismissal for dissent and Nunez’s avoidance of further punishment despite his actions.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb previously emphasized stricter rules against dissent, although these standards appeared to waver during the season, prompting a call for maintaining consistent enforcement.
Despite the stalemate at Anfield, denying Liverpool a home win for the first time this season, Manchester United’s point did not elevate them to the top of the Premier League, with Arsenal leapfrogging the Reds earlier that day. The draw offered Erik ten Hag some relief following a tumultuous week for United, marked by a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth and their European exit.
Nevertheless, United’s lack of attacking prowess in recent matches remains a concern, given their scoring in just one of their last five games.