Man Utd make decision on Casemiro red card appeal & impact for games vs Everton & Newcastle

Manchester United have confirmed they will not appeal Casemiro’s red card in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Southampton.

The Brazilian was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor for a high tackle on Carlos Alcaraz, which caught the player on the shin. The decision was made at Old Trafford via the help of the pitchside monitor, meaning in a sense a video review has already taken place, and United have therefore opted not to appeal against Taylor’s verdict.

Asked after the game about the dismissal, Ten Hag has said he ‘would see’ whether the club would contest the red card with the Premier League, but in a statement on Monday, the Red Devils said: “Manchester United have decided not to appeal against Casemiro’s red card in the 0-0 draw with Southampton. The club decided there was not a high chance of being able to overturn the ban on appeal.”

That means Casemiro will be suspended for United’s next four domestic matches, as it’s his second red card of the campaign. The former Real Madrid man was also given his marching orders against Crystal Palace last month for grabbing Eagles midfielder Will Hughes by the throat.

Casemiro will therefore miss Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham, and the Premier League matches against Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton in April. The 31-year-old is able to play in Europa League matches, but is also one booking away from a one-game suspension in Europe.

Despite United’s decision not to appeal the red card, Ten Hag was disappointed with Taylor’s decision on the day and said the officials have been ‘inconsistent’ this season.

“What I think is the inconsistency, players don’t know anymore what is the policy,” said the United boss on Sunday. “I think, all across, you see this weekend yesterday Leicester vs Chelsea, VAR is not coming on the line.

“Today it is coming on the line and today two penalty situations they don’t come on the line. I think especially the first it is clear and obvious handball. So, what is the policy?”

“When you freeze it looks bad,” Ten Hag added, on the dismissal against Southampton. “But everyone who knows something about football, they know what is bad and what is fair. Casemiro is a really fair player, tough but fair.”