Manchester United fans have expressed their frustration on social media after Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka avoided a red card for a studs-up challenge on Bruno Fernandes during Sunday’s Premier League match at the Emirates.
In a highly charged first half, United took the lead as Marcus Rashford found the back of the net against the run of play. Arsenal responded immediately with a goal from their captain, Martin Odegaard.
However, a controversial moment occurred late in the half when Saka clashed with United’s captain, Fernandes. Saka lost control of the ball under pressure from an opponent and extended his leg, making contact with Fernandes’s shin with his studs.
Although the challenge left Fernandes on the ground in pain, referee Anthony Taylor decided to show Saka a yellow card rather than a red one. VAR reviewed the decision and upheld Taylor’s initial call, much to the frustration of Manchester United fans on social media.
United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge posted on X: “How is Saka not getting a red there…..”
Another fan replied: “Would’ve been a red but Saka smiles a lot so it’s a yellow.”
A third supporter wrote: “It’s a red all day. But coz it’s Saka they let him off.”
“Casemiro gets a red for this Saka tackle btw,” added another fan.
Arsenal fans were quick to respond, claiming United defender Victor Lindelof should have been shown a red card for a challenge on Eddie Nketiah earlier in the half.
After being beaten to the ball near the touchline by Nketiah, Lindelof stopped the Arsenal attack with a late challenge – appearing to kick the Gunners forward in the face.
Casemiro gets a red for this Saka tackle btw
pic.twitter.com/47OGTaW1MZ— AB⚕ (@AbsoluteBruno) September 3, 2023
“Nketiah face was kicked by Lindelof but no red,” posted one unhappy Arsenal fan.
While another added: “How is that not a red for Lindelof???”
“Horrendous. Lindelof should have been sent off & Saka got a yellow for not being able to control himself when he got tackled,” added a third.
Like Saka, Lindelof was only shown a yellow card by Taylor.