Erik ten Hag makes claim Manchester United draw with Southampton 'was influenced by the referee'
/dnl.tntsports.co.uk/sd/img/placeholder/tnt_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 12/03/2023 at 20:23 GMT
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag suggested that midfielder Casemiro was unfairly treated after receiving his second red card of the season, this time for a studs-up challenge on Carlos Alcaraz during the goalless draw against Southampton on Sunday in the Premier League. The Dutchman also claimed that the referee made a mistake by not giving his side a penalty.
Ten Hag criticises 'inconsistent' officials after Casemiro sees red again
Erik ten Hag argued that Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Southampton was influenced by the referee” after three disputed decisions.
United were frustrated in their pursuit of three points against the south coast side and may consider themselves fortunate to end with a point given Southampton’s chances to win the match through Theo Walcott and James Ward-Prowse.
However, some key refereeing judgements put United on the back foot.
First up was a red card for Casemiro midway through the red half, when the former Real Madrid man went over the top of the ball into Carlos Alcaraz, and while the lunge caused no lasting damage, Anthony Taylor gave a red card after being prompted to take a review.
Kyle Walker-Peters also caught Bruno Fernandes in the box and Armel Bella-Kotchap appeared to handle a cross, but neither incident saw United awarded a penalty.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ten Hag praised his players for showing resilience while down a man.
He said: "Big compliments to the team. They showed big character to play so long with 10. They were physically and mentally strong to get a point."
The Dutchman also believed his side should have had at least one spot-kick, saying: "Definitely. There's no doubt. I don't know why VAR didn't interrupt."
Turning to Casemiro, he hinted that the Brazilian was unfairly targeted, not just against Southampton but for his sending off against Crystal Palace when he had his hands around Will Hughes' neck.
"Casemiro played over 500 games in Europe and never once got a red card. Now he has two in the Premier League,” he said of his player who now faces a four-match ban in domestic football.
"His absence is not the issue. We will deal with that. This game was influenced by the referee."
Up next for United is the return leg of their Europa League tie with Real Betis, a game Casemiro will be available for. Ten Hag's side will take a 4-1 lead to Spain on March 16.
The Red Devils then face Fulham in the FA Cup on March 19, before returning to Premier League action against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on April 2.
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement