On Sunday, Erik ten Hag expressed his disapproval of the "inconsistent" officials, as Casemiro's second red card this season led to a 0-0 draw for Manchester United against the struggling Southampton team.
The Brazil midfielder was initially booked for a high challenge on Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz before being sent off in the 34th minute at Old Trafford. After VAR official Andre Marriner suggested a review, Anthony Taylor upgraded the offence to a red card.
Despite bouncing back from their 7-0 loss to Liverpool by defeating Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday, United had to work hard to avoid a surprise defeat against the Premier League's bottom team.
After Casemiro's second red card this season, which had previously occurred in the match against Crystal Palace in February, Manchester United's manager, ten Hag, was enraged by the decision and expressed dissatisfaction about the penalty calls that were not given to his team.
I think it’s all across. I mean, you see yesterday, Leicester-Chelsea, then VAR is not coming on the line.
“Today it’s coming on the line and then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come on the line.
“I think especially the first one was for me clear and obvious handball, so what is the policy."
He expressed his concerns about the officiating and the potential consequences for players such as Casemiro, who now faces a four-match suspension, while Manchester United attempts to secure their position in the top four.
According to Ten Hag, there is yet another inconsistency in the refereeing. He claimed that at the beginning of the season, the Premier League had a policy of promoting intensity, but now they seem to be penalizing tough but fair play, as evidenced by Casemiro's recent red cards. Ten Hag argued that those who understand football and top-level play would know that Casemiro is a fair player, as evidenced by his track record of over 500 games without a red card. When asked if United would appeal the decision that resulted in them playing with ten men, Ten Hag responded with "we will see." Despite the disadvantage, he praised his team's spirit and level of play during the match.
