Premier League release statement as Man Utd are denied penalty after Ruben Dias’ challenge on Rasmus Hojlund

THE PREMIER LEAGUE addressed Manchester United’s appeal for a penalty during the derby with arch rivals Manchester City.

United ace Rasmus Hojlund went down inside the box during a challenge with City star Ruben Dias, who appeared to put his leg in front of the striker on 64 minutes at the Etihad.

Man Utd’s Rasmus Hojlund went down during a challenge by Man City’s Ruben Dias inside the area

The Premier League claimed there was ‘normal contact’

https://twitter.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1868355645696864642

However, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and a VAR check agreed with him while the game was 1-0 in favour of the Citizens after Josko Gvardiol’s opener on 36 minutes.

And the Prem released a statement also backing Taylor as they deemed there was “normal contact” between Dias and Hojlund.

The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Hojlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.”

That led to a furious reaction from United fans who stormed social media.

One supporter tweeted: “Someone explain to me why that isn’t a penalty…?

Another commented: “Normal contact in the box WTF.”

A third wrote: “Normal contact is wrapping your leg around someone’s waist now.”

This fan said: “What does normal contact mean?? He tripped him.”

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And that one stated: “Cool. So defender can take out attacker without getting near the ball.”

However, that controversial call didn’t cost Man Utd as they managed to turn the game around in a dramatic comeback and win the Manchester derby with a score of 2-1.

The Red Devils equalised just two minutes before full-time when Matheus Nunes gave the ball away to Amad Diallo and then fouled him inside the area before Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot.

And the visitors turned the game on its head only two minutes later when a stunning ball from Lisandro Martinez found Amad who flicked it over Ederson and sealed the three points with a fine finish.

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