Sean Dyche has slammed referee Darren England and his assistants for their role in Manchester United’s controversial corner-gate goal.
The Nottingham Forest boss was left fuming by the awarding of the set-piece from which Casemiro scored in the 2-2 draw on Saturday.
4
Dyche couldn’t believe that Man United’s opener was allowed to standCredit: AFP
Ruben Amorim‘s men took the lead at the City Ground when Brazil’s Casemiro headed home Bruno Fernandes‘ corner.
However, Dyche and Forest were in disbelief that a corner was awarded by the assistant on the far side.
Replays then showed that Nicolo Savona, who later scored himself, looked to have kept the ball in play before the whistle was blown.
Following Casemiro’s goal, talkSPORT reporter Dave Rowe said: “I’ve seen repeated replays and I can’t believe it’s been given!”
Co-pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk added: “I can’t see how that corner is given from the area the assistant was at and can see it from.
“That said, Forest didn’t defend the corner well, and it’s a simple goal for Casemiro. It shouldn’t have been given, though.”
What did Sean Dyche say?
Dyche agreed with Sweetman-Kirk’s assessment and launched a post-match tirade at the decision to award the corner.
To add insult to injury, it comes just a week after Forest were undone by a controversial Olimpico goal in a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Dyche told talkSPORT: “It’s just bizarre because I actually had a chat after last week with [PGMOL chief] Howard [Webb], expressing my concerns for the bigger picture. Because this VAR thing, they want referees talking to the fans, I don’t know why, it just wastes more time.
4
Man United took the lead in controversial circumstancesCredit: Getty
4
Dyche vented at officials for awarding a corner in the build-up to Casemiro’s goalCredit: Getty
“Referees going over to the screen, I don’t know why, it just wastes more time. We know what’s going to happen. And then a corner that’s gone against us twice is what, five seconds?
“So for me, I know there’s rules and FIFA and IFAB and the Premier League and FA and all of that, but there’s got to be someone who can override these decisions. Because it’s gone straight in and they put it straight in the goal, two weeks on the drop.
“Now, of course, you can argue about us dealing with it, but the point is it’s a wrong decision.
“Now what’s even worse is that the assistant referee has given it from like 75 yards away, behind the view of a goal by the way, the goal net, and apparently can see it.
“Then even worse is after that, and we all know the rules about the ball, because if it goes one millimetre it’s not in the goal.
“The buzzer doesn’t go, so therefore it’s not a goal. But you can clearly see the ball is hanging over the line.
4
Dyche later called for VAR change after another controversial cornerCredit: Getty
“Now, whether it’s three-quarters out or not is irrelevant; the fact is it’s not out.
“That’s really, really disappointing for us, of course. Particularly a lot of noise about corners and all that sort of stuff. You’re bound to be disappointed with that, how wouldn’t you be? And then deciding to give it to the attacking team.
“I can’t work it out. Two in two weeks is farcical to me. You might get one a season that’s a bit like that, but not two in two weeks.
“Even worse, just to cap it off, I’ve been watching football while I’ve been out. I can see them standing 70 yards away and see the ball’s not in the quadrant. They take corners; everyone just takes it where they want. And yet they say, ‘Well, the ball’s hanging over the grass, so therefore it’s the same thing.’
“Don’t give it, just don’t give it. Not when you can’t see it, not when you’re 78 yards away, just don’t give it.”