Diogo Dalot controversy: Ex-PGMOL chief on how VAR would have reacted to Man United red

Today at 03:00 AM

Andy Madley’s decision to hand Man United star Diogo Dalot a second yellow card against Arsenal was correct, Keith Hackett has shared.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old’s tackle was reckless and warranted the booking, insisting he should not have made that sort of challenge after having been booked in the first half.

Hackett also explained that, had VAR been in use at the Emirates, they would have been powerless to make any changes to Andy Madley’s decision.

This is because the on-field decision was to award a yellow card, and VAR do not have the jurisdiction to alter those decisions – although they would have been unlikely to step in in this case regardless.

Diogo Dalot rightly sent off for ‘reckless’ challenge in Man United v Arsenal

Dalot has been subject to plenty of criticism from United supporters so far this season, as they previously called for him to be sold following his performance v Leicester.

Under both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim so far this season, the right-back has often been deployed out of position and struggled to adapt to a new role.

He featured as a left-wing-back once again at the Emirates, and showed why the supporters have become frustrated with his displays.

Despite the lacklustre performance and ultimate sending-off, however, United were able to progress into the fourth round of the cup after winning the game on penalties.

With the scoreline level at 1-1 after 120 minutes of football, the game went to penalties, where Altay Bayindir became a hero after saving Kai Havertz’s spot-kick.

Madley had been slammed for his officiating in the FA Cup third round clash after a controversial decision to award Arsenal a penalty in the second half of normal time.

While some hopeful supporters took to social media to suggest the sending-off was another poor call, Hackett has confirmed that the referee made the right decision despite his difficult game.

“The second yellow followed by the red was the correct decision,” he told Football Insider.

“You do not make a reckless challenge like that when you are already on a yellow.

“Had VAR been in operation, they would have had no say in the decision as the on-field decision was a yellow card, and no review would have been necessary.”

In other news, Harry Maguire to hold sit-down talks after Man United contract twist.

For more Man United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Diogo Dalot controversy: Ex-PGMOL chief on how VAR would have reacted to Man United red appeared first on Football Insider.