Premier League referees chief Howard Webb has reportedly confirmed Manchester United’s suspicions that Brentford captain Nathan Collins should have been sent off during last weekend’s clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.
United had tumbled to a 2–0 first-half deficit before Benjamin Šeško hauled the limp visitors back into the contest in the 26th minute. Bruno Fernandes had the chance the level the score midway through the second half after Bryan Mbeumo was tugged down by Collins.
The Premier League’s official match centre justified the referee’s decision to show Collins just a yellow card as valid by claiming that “Mbeumo wasn’t in control of the ball.” As a community note on pointed out, Law 12 states that the “likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball” is one consideration when it comes to determining whether there has been the denial of a goalscoring opportunity (which constitutes a red card). Taking a shot is deemed to fit the criteria of “being in control.”
Despite being pulled to the ground by the Bees skipper, Mbeumo still managed to poke the ball towards goal. United privately enquired about the decision and Webb was forced to acknowledge the error of his match officials, per the .
Fernandes missed the resulting spot kick and Brentford added a third late on to claim a famous 3–1 win, but the match would have undoubtedly changed had Collins rightfully been dismissed.
