Bournemouth fume at VAR controversy in Man Utd draw – ‘It doesn’t make sense’

Bournemouth were left to play with 10 men for 26 minutes against Manchester United after Evanilson was sent off for a foul on Noussair Mazraoui, despite appearing to slip

Bournemouth were left aghast after their European dreams were dashed by some VAR controversy in their draw against Manchester United. The 10-man Cherries were held 1-1 by United on Sunday afternoon after Rasmus Hojlund netted in the 96th minute.

Andoni Iraola’s side took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s goal, but the match changed in the 70th minute when Evanilson was sent off. The Bournemouth striker was initially shown a yellow card for his challenge on Noussair Mazraoui, before the VAR recommended referee Peter Bankes go to the pitchside monitor for another look.

Evanilson caught Mazraoui, but only after he appeared to slip. That didn’t save him as Bankes overturned his original decision to show the striker a straight red card and leave the home side defending for their lives.

United had 25 shots but needed Hojlund to redirect Manuel Ugarte’s effort at the death to earn themselves a point. The dropped two points for Bournemouth could be hugely costly, because victory would have sent them above Fulham and Brighton into eighth place, but they stay 10th.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s last-gasp draw at Bournemouth can’t cover up startling shortcomingsREAD MORE: Premier League issue explanation on red card as Evanilson ‘endangers’ Man Utd star

Eighth would be enough for a place in next season’s Conference League, provided Crystal Palace don’t win the FA Cup. “Everyone’s just frustrated,” Semenyo told Sky Sports. “There were challenges [like Evanilson’s] all game. It doesn’t make sense as to why that one was a red card.”

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott added: “I could see on the pitch that he slipped. It looked like the ref didn’t want to give [the red card], but once he went to the screen we knew he was more likely to give it.”

Iraola was extremely annoyed by the decision, which saw one of his coaching staff and captain Adam Smith booked for dissent towards the referee. “Common sense. Everyone who has played football understands,” he said.

“He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge.

“Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. In the first half Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.”

The Premier League explained that “the challenge [was] deemed to be two-footed with both feet off the ground, endangering the safety of the opponent”. But the pundits who watched the match took Bournemouth’s side in the debate.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith said on Sky Sports : “I’m a bit dumbfounded by that one. I know it ends up being a dangerous challenge but it’s a total accident. If you do slip in that fashion, you can’t help it.” Ex-Southampton defender Francis Benali said: “There are a couple of points of contact. I don’t think it’s intentional.”

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