VAR continues to spark major controversy in the MU vs Brighton match

26/10/2025 06:08:00 FieldFrenzy

Manchester United fans could not hide their anger as VAR technology denied the Old Trafford team a penalty that was “clear as day” during the match against Brighton on the evening of October 25th.

The disputed incident happened in the 16th minute, when Amad Diallo was fouled by Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper inside the penalty area. The Ivorian skillfully got past De Cuyper, who then swung his leg back and appeared to strike Diallo’s shin. Diallo fell down, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on amid fierce protests from the Red Devils players.

VAR at the Stockley Park center reviewed the situation but concluded that De Cuyper “touched the ball first,” so there was no basis to overturn the on-field decision. In an official statement, the Premier League organizers affirmed: “The referee’s decision to deny Manchester United a penalty was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which determined that De Cuyper made contact with the ball first.”

Amad Diallo đã ngã trong vòng cấm ở hiệp 1 nhưng không có quả phạt đền nào được đưa ra (Ảnh: The Sun). — Amad Diallo went down in the penalty area during the first half, but no penalty was awarded (Photo: The Sun).

However, this explanation caused an uproar among the “Red Devils” supporters on social media. One frustrated fan wrote on X (Twitter): “That was a clear penalty for Amad. I can’t understand why it wasn’t given to Man United. Anthony Taylor really is...”.

Another user commented on Reddit: “This is exactly why VAR is seriously broken. They always rely on the reason ‘not clear and obvious’ so referees don’t have to review.”

Meanwhile, another account sarcastically said: “Premier League says ‘light touch on the ball’ but I’ve watched it over and over and can’t see it anywhere.”

CĐV MU khẳng định đó là một quả phạt đền — MU fans insist it was a blatant penalty, but VAR believes Maxim De Cuyper made contact with the ball (Photo: The Sun).

Commentator Gary Neville, former Man Utd captain, also believed De Cuyper touched the ball lightly but admitted it was “not a good challenge.” He stated: “De Cuyper put his leg out too late, and only a slight touch on the ball saved him from being penalized.”

After the controversial incident, Manchester United still took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to Matheus Cunha’s first goal for the “Red Devils.” Not stopping there, Casemiro doubled the lead just 10 minutes later when his shot deflected off a Brighton player and went straight into the empty net.

Man Utd even had another penalty appeal when Bryan Mbeumo fell near the edge of the penalty area, but the referee ruled the contact was outside the 18-yard box, so VAR was not allowed to intervene.

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