The incident occurred during Crystal Palace’s second goal, scored by Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 64th minute, which appeared to be offside. Despite clear indications of an offside position, referee John Brooks allowed the goal to stand, leading to Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat.Â
Rúben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, expressed his frustration vehemently. He stated, “This is a DISGRACE! The referee has ruined the game. It’s like he doesn’t even know the rules!†Amorim further remarked, “If this is football now, then I’m out – I’ve seen better officiating at Sunday league matches!â€Â
The decision has sparked a broader conversation about the consistency and reliability of officiating in the Premier League. Critics argue that such errors undermine the integrity of the game and call for greater transparency and accountability from match officials. The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been a focal point in these debates, with many questioning its effectiveness in ensuring fair play.
For a detailed overview of the match and the controversial goal, you can watch the highlights below: