Andoni Iraola accuses Manchester United player of diving and slams VAR decision

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola criticised the officiating after his side were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United in the Premier League.

The Cherries were the better side for the majority of the match at the Vitality Stadium and held a deserved 2-1 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert.

However, they were made to rue their wasted chances when Bruno Fernandes converted a contentious second-half penalty, which was awarded after Adam Smith handled in the box from a shot that had deflected off teammate Ryan Christie.

Bournemouth's own penalty appeals were turned down when Christie was booked for simulation in the box, and then a stoppage time penalty was overturned after the Scot had been fouled by Willy Kambwala. Referee Tony Harrington initially pointed to the spot, before VAR Jarred Gillett overturned the call and said the foul had occurred outside the box.

Speaking after the match, Iraola criticised the inconsistent officiating and also questioned why Kobbie Mainoo hadn't been booked for his own dive in the box in the first-half - though it looked like he had actually slipped.

“It is not only about the important decisions,” said Iraola after the draw. “It is about Kobbie Mainoo diving in the first half and nothing happens. Ryan Christie, with much more contact, dives in the second half and it is a yellow card. It is about consistency.

“Okay, we are safe, yes, but you have to value our points, the same way you value United’s points. The same exact way. The last decision especially, for the VAR to intervene, something that should be clear and obvious.

“We conceded a penalty against Newcastle and, apart from the offside, it was the correct decision, because we started grabbing a player two metres outside, but he falls inside because there is a moment inside the box. It is the same situation here.

“You can argue the first touch between the two players could be one centimetre outside the box, but it has to be clear. And it is obvious he continues making the offence inside and doesn’t allow Ryan to finish the play.”