Manchester United fans are outraged as the referee ignored two clear handball incidents against Crystal Palace, denying them a penalty and sparking controversy over the officiating decisions.

Fans argue that these overlooked offenses denied United clear penalty opportunities, potentially altering the outcome of the game.

The first incident occurred in the 35th minute when a cross from Bruno Fernandes appeared to strike the outstretched arm of Palace defender Joel Ward inside the penalty area. Despite immediate appeals from United players, the referee waved play on, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene. Replays suggested that Ward’s arm was away from his body, leading many to believe it constituted a clear handball offense.

The second contentious moment took place in the 68th minute. A shot from Marcus Rashford was blocked by Palace midfielder Cheick Doucouré, with the ball appearing to make contact with his hand. Once again, United’s appeals were dismissed, and no review was initiated. Fans and pundits alike have questioned the consistency of officiating, especially concerning handball interpretations.

These incidents have ignited a broader debate about the application of handball rules in the Premier League. The lack of intervention from VAR, particularly when replays seem to indicate clear offenses, has led to calls for greater transparency and consistency in officiating.

In his post-match press conference, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refrained from directly criticizing the officials but emphasized the need for clarity in decision-making processes. He stated, “It’s crucial for the integrity of the game that such decisions are made consistently. We will seek clarification from the relevant authorities.”

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), responsible for overseeing referees in English football, has yet to comment on the specific incidents. However, they have previously acknowledged the challenges in interpreting handball situations and have committed to ongoing reviews to improve decision-making accuracy.

This controversy adds to a series of recent debates surrounding VAR and handball rulings in the Premier League. Fans are calling for more straightforward guidelines and better communication from officials to ensure fairness and maintain the sport’s integrity.

For a visual recap of the match and the disputed incidents, you can watch the highlights here