Premier League fans have been left raging after a controversial decision during Bournemouth's clash with Manchester United on Monday night, where a potential red card incident was only punished with a yellow.
Throat Grab Incident Ignites Fury
The flashpoint occurred when Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo appeared to grab Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot by the throat. The altercation began after the two players collided while challenging for an aerial ball, with Semenyo reacting furiously to the contact.
Referee Simon Hooper initially showed yellow cards to both players for their part in the scuffle. However, the Video Assistant Referee system at Stockley Park intervened to review the incident, specifically examining whether Semenyo's actions warranted a sending-off.
VAR Review Upholds Controversial Call
After studying the replays, which showed Semenyo pulling his hand back slightly before making contact with Dalot's neck, the officials decided not to overturn Hooper's on-field decision. This allowed Semenyo to remain on the pitch, keeping the teams at 11 versus 11 as they headed for half-time.
The decision immediately provoked a storm of criticism on social media, with fans and pundits highlighting a glaring lack of consistency in the league's disciplinary measures.
Fans Cite Casemiro Precedent in Consistency Outcry
The dominant theme of the online backlash was a comparison to a similar incident from the 2022-23 season. Supporters were quick to recall that Manchester United's own Casemiro received a straight red card for placing his hands around the neck of Crystal Palace's Will Hughes.
"There's no consistency in the Premier League," one fan posted on X. "Red card for Casemiro, no red card for Semenyo." Another added, "Remember when Casemiro got a red card for literally exactly what Semenyo just did there."
While some United fans suggested bias, claiming Semenyo was spared because he wasn't wearing a United shirt, most criticism was less partisan, focusing on the apparent double standard in application of the rules.
On-Pitch Consequences and Comeback
The controversy had tangible consequences for the match. With Semenyo still on the field, Bournemouth mounted a second-half comeback. Evanilson equalised to make it 2-1, and Marcus Tavernier completed the turnaround with a goal in the 52nd minute, leaving Manchester United chasing the game with less than 20 minutes remaining.
The incident has reignited the perennial debate about VAR and the subjective nature of officiating in England's top flight, raising serious questions about whether the punishment for aggressive conduct truly fits the crime, regardless of the player or club involved.
