‘Dangerous’ - Dermot Gallagher issues verdicts on three controversial moments during Man Utd v Southampton

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has issued his verdict on some of the controversial moments during Manchester United’s draw with Southampton.

The Red Devils were forced to settle for a draw with bottom club Southampton at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s men were hoping to keep pace with the top two, but they wound up slipping further behind after failing to break the deadlock. Though, they weren’t helped by Casemiro’s second straight red card of the season, with the midfielder heading for an early bath as early as the 33rd minute.

A yellow card was initially awarded to the Brazilian, but VAR review saw a red card handed out instead, and Gallagher is in agreement with the ultimate decision. He said on Sky Sports News: “I think definitely I think he lunges in and skims the top of the ball and catches the opponent hard across the shin with his studs. I think it is a red card. He’s lost control of his body for that temporary second. The result is bad I think it is a bad tackle.” Gallagher added: “I don’t think he did win the ball, he skims off the top of the ball and goes into his opponent's shin."

Pundit Sue Smith added: "Yes, it's a red card for me. He clearly thinks he can win the ball but mistimes it where he connects with Alcaraz on the shin. It's a dangerous tackle and it's a red card for me."

Gallagher was also asked about the penalty appeal following a tackle from Kyle Walker Peters on Bruno Fernandes. He said: “I think he wins the ball twice, with his right leg and then his left leg.  I think the referee was absolutely correct."

Finally, there was a handball appeal after Armel Bella-Kotchap fell to the ground, and seemingly onto the ball. Gallagher said of the incident: “It was one of the strangest incidents I have ever seen. You look at it and it strikes him in the chest first. You can see quite clearly he thinks it may strike his arm and he clearly takes it away to say, 'I have no intention of handling that ball'.  So I just can't see a penalty being given."