A controversial decision by the referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) saw Sunderland midfielder Nilson Angulo escape a red card despite striking Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the face during their Premier League match on 9/5. The incident, occurring in the 88th minute at the Light stadium, sparked immediate outrage among Man Utd fans and ignited a debate among former officials regarding refereeing consistency and decisiveness.

After Fernandes passed the ball, Angulo rushed from behind, swinging his arm and making contact with the Man Utd captain's face. Fernandes immediately reacted, demanding referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Peter Bankes intervene, claiming his opponent played violently. Despite Fernandes' protests and a VAR review lasting dozens of seconds, Angulo received neither a yellow nor a red card, and play continued.

This decision angered many Man Utd fans on social media. They argued that if a Man Utd player had made a similar move, they might have been sent off, highlighting perceived bias or inconsistency in officiating.

Angulo (right) impacting Bruno Fernandes during Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Man Utd at the Light stadium, Sunderland, in Premier League round 36 on 9/5. *Photo: Screenshot*

Former referee Mark Halsey defended VAR's decision. In his post-match analysis, he suggested Fernandes tried to pressure the opponent into receiving a red card, but the incident did not constitute violent conduct. "Angulo did rush in from behind and used his forearm, but he only grazed Fernandes' neck and face", Halsey said. "That situation was not a serious foul. VAR was correct not to intervene because this was a subjective play, not a clear and obvious error".

Nevertheless, Halsey also admitted the Sunderland player was fortunate not to receive a yellow card. He stated Angulo used his arm carelessly and that referee Attwell missed the incident in real time, failing to issue a caution.

In contrast, well-known former referee Mike Dean strongly criticized the current officiating in the Premier League. On Sky Sports, Dean argued that referees lack decisiveness, especially in sensitive situations involving red cards. "There wasn't much force, but I do not understand why a player would put themselves at risk by swinging their arm like that", Dean said. "The issue is that current referees do not dare to make big decisions. They are afraid to show a red card, truly afraid".

Fernandes (right) arguing with Angulo after being struck in the face. *Photo: Reuters*

Dean was particularly annoyed that Angulo was not even cautioned. He stated that the referee merely talking to Fernandes and then allowing play to continue reflected a trend among referees this season to avoid controversial decisions. "Referees need to review this during the summer", Dean added. "They are not making decisions on the field. They are afraid of making mistakes, so they choose the safe option".

Pundit Paul Merson also suggested Sunderland should have been reduced to 10 men. The former Arsenal midfielder noted the impact was not severe, but Angulo clearly intended to use his elbow to strike Fernandes.

The controversy intensified as, at the same time, VAR intervened in other Premier League matches to upgrade fouls to direct red cards in two separate incidents involving Fulham and Bournemouth. This inconsistency in officiating led many fans to question the fairness of decisions.

Fernandes also expressed his frustration, repeatedly complaining to the referee after the incident and arguing with Angulo.

The 0-0 draw also hindered Fernandes' pursuit of the Premier League assist record for a single season. Before the Sunderland match, he had 19 assists, just one shy of Thierry Henry's and Kevin De Bruyne's record of 20. Man Utd played without sharpness at the Light stadium, managing their first shot on target only in the third minute of injury time. Both teams ultimately settled for a point.

Hoang An (via Sun, MEN)