Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has insisted the match official made the correct call by not sending off Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo during a dramatic and incident-packed Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The Controversial Incident That Sparked Debate
The flashpoint occurred during the first half of Manchester United's entertaining 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Sunday. Following an aerial challenge between Diogo Dalot and Semenyo, which left the Cherries striker on the ground, a confrontation ensued.
Semenyo confronted the United defender and appeared to make contact with Dalot's neck area with his hand. Referee Simon Hooper quickly intervened to separate the players and calm the heated situation.
Instead of producing a red card, Hooper showed yellow cards to both players involved. This decision immediately became a major talking point for fans and commentators watching the match.
Neville's Analysis: "A Massive Risk" But Correct Outcome
Providing live commentary for Sky Sports, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville gave his immediate verdict. He analysed the replay and explained why a dismissal would have been the wrong outcome.
"It looked like he's giving him a clip in the face, but maybe it's lower. It's certainly a massive risk," Neville stated, referring to Semenyo's actions.
He offered context for the Bournemouth player's reaction, saying, "I can see why Semenyo's snapped. Dalot bumped him while he's in the air - it's a bit naughty."
Neville concluded his analysis by supporting the referee's decision: "He's gone for his neck but he just pulled back. Two yellow cards is the right decision."
A Thrilling Eight-Goal Spectacle at Old Trafford
The controversial incident was just one moment in a remarkably high-scoring game. Manchester United, aiming to maintain a winning run, took an early lead through Amad Diallo's header.
Semenyo then equalised for the visitors, with the clash involving Dalot happening shortly after his goal. United regained the lead in first-half stoppage time thanks to a Casemiro header.
The second half was a goal-fest:
- Bournemouth's Evanilson made it 2-2.
- Marcus Tavernier's free-kick put the Cherries ahead.
- Bruno Fernandes equalised for United with another free-kick.
- Matheus Cunha then put United 4-3 up.
- Eli Junior Kroupi secured a point for Bournemouth late on.
The result left Manchester United in sixth place in the Premier League table. Manager Ruben Amorim expressed his disappointment post-match, telling BBC Sport his side had "deserved more" from the game.
United now turn their attention to a tough away fixture against Aston Villa this coming weekend.
