Manchester United supporters were left fuming at VAR and referee Martin Atkinson during their team’s 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side made a dreadful start to their 2020/2021 Premier League season, as Palace dispatched their opponents in humiliating fashion.
As well as an abject performance, United fans were also irritated after Palace netted their second goal in dubious fashion.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after Jordan Ayew’s ball struck Victor Lindelof's arm.
A subsequent VAR check concluded that Atkinson should take a second look on the pitchside monitor.
He gave the penalty, which United goalkeeper David De Gea saved but, one minute later, a retake was ordered after VAR adjudged that the Spanish stopper had stepped off his line to block the spot kick.
Pundits Danny Murphy and Jermaine Jenas discussed both incidents on Saturday night’s Match of the Day.
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy said he was 'bamboozled' by the decision to award Palace the penalty.
He explained: “We talk about natural body positions, we talk about proximity, could he be any closer?
“They talk about your hand being away from the body, how can he be any different when he’s running?”
He also hit out at the decision to allow Palace to retake the spot-kick, stating: “Then what do we get, another pull back because De Gea is an inch off the line. I know it’s right, but it doesn’t matter if they step a yard. It’s so pedantic.”
Ex-Newcastle United man Jenas asked for 'some common sense'.
He added: “Obviously, the rule is, if he’s off the line, he’s broken the rules. We know when goalkeepers have come flying out and that is ridiculous.”
