Erik ten Hag has hit back at the “inconsistent” match officials after Casemiro was shown his second red card this season in Manchester United’s goalless draw against Southampton.
Casemiro was dismissed in the 34th minute at Old Trafford after being initially cautioned for his high challenge on Carlos Alcaraz of Southampton.
Andre Marriner, a VAR official, advised Anthony Taylor to review the foul committed by the Brazil midfielder on the pitchside monitor before upgrading the offence to a red card.
After bouncing back from last weekend’s 7-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool by defeating Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday, United had to dig deep to avoid a shocking loss against Southampton.
United manager ten Hag was enraged by the decision to eject Casemiro, who was also ejected in February against Crystal Palace, and complained about unfavourable penalty calls.
“Well, what I think is the inconsistency (means) players don’t know any more what is the policy,” Ten Hag said.
“I think it’s all across. I mean, you see yesterday, Leicester-Chelsea, then VAR is not coming on the line.
“Today it’s coming on the line and then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come on the line.
“I think especially the first one was for me clear and obvious handball, so what is the policy?”
Ten Hag stated that he had “some questions” about the officiating, with Casemiro now facing a four-match suspension that will hinder United’s pursuit of a top-four finish.
“There is another one inconsistent,” Ten Hag said. “The refereeing is coming at the start of the season with a policy ‘we are Premier League, we are going strong here, we want intensity’.
“Casemiro is across European leagues, in over 500 games he had never a red card and now he has twice.
“He plays tough but he plays fair, also in this he is playing fair. Same as against Crystal Palace, so it is very debatable.
“When you freeze it looks bad, but everyone who knows something about football, who is acting on top football, they know what is bad and what isn’t bad, what is fair.
“I tell you Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough but fair and it shows over 500 games in big leagues, never sent off.”
When asked if United will appeal a decision that left United playing the majority of an hour with 10 men, Ten Hag responded, “We shall see.”
“Once again this team showed big spirit, team spirit, good fighting spirit, supporting each other. We played I think with 11 and with 10 a really good level,” he said of the stalemate.
