'Absolute nonsense' - Man Utd told Nathan Collins should have been shown red card for foul on Bryan Mbeumo in Brentford defeat by former Premier League referee

Brentford’s Collins was shown only a yellow card after dragging Mbeumo to the ground inside the penalty area. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld referee Craig Pawson’s decision not to brandish a red card, ruling that Mbeumo did not have the ball fully under control. Bruno Fernandes then missed the resulting penalty, as Brentford went on to seal a 3-1 victory over Ruben Amorim’s struggling side. Former Premier League referee Halsey has now claimed that Pawson and VAR's explanation for the yellow card was 'absolute nonsense'.

"The statement from the Match Centre said that Mbeumo did not have control of the ball," former Premier League referee Halsey said to The Sun. "It doesn’t say in law about having the ball under control. It’s about the likelihood of keeping control of the ball. In my opinion, the Match Centre statement was absolute nonsense and it was a clear, clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Manchester United will be very disappointed with that decision. A red card should have been shown to the Brentford player."

The defeat leaves Manchester United languishing in 14th place after another frustrating display. Amorim’s side have now suffered four losses in seven games this season, including a penalty shootout loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. Meanwhile, Brentford’s victory has handed Keith Andrews' side their first Premier League win in over a month.

Manchester United face a crucial clash next weekend when they take on newly promoted side, Sunderland, in Premier League action. The Black Cats have been flying high this season as they sit fourth in the standings with three wins, two draws and just one loss. A win against an in-form side could bring the ball back in Amorim's court; however, a loss could end up bringing an end to his Old Trafford reign.