Watch ‘foul’ on Man Utd star De Gea as VAR controversially allows Everton’s opening goal leaving fans fuming
MANCHESTER UNITED fans blasted VAR for failing to rule out Everton’s opener at Old Trafford after replays appeared to show David de Gea was fouled in the build up.
The Spanish keeper jumped to punch away Leighton Baines’ delivery from a corner but managed to touch it on to Victor Lindelof, who could only watch as the ball bounced off him into the net.
Referee Michael Oliver awarded the goal despite VAR showing Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin catching De Gea across the face with his arm.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville said: “That’s back to De Gea’s early days at United – getting bullied.”
But United fans had sympathy with their stopper, slamming the decision to give the goal.
One tweeted: “VAR trying to tell me this wasn’t a foul on De Gea
“Stopping a goal keeper from being a goal keeper is surely not within the rules of football…
“Big second half needed!
Another said: “This is an elbow on De Gea surely?”
While one supporter fumed: “I’m sorry that goal was a foul on De Gea, he’s literally got his arm across his face, if that was Allison then Calvert Lewin would have seen red and VAR would have given Liverpool a penalty for no reason.”
Some ruthless fans refused to blame VAR, though, and pointed the finger at United’s weak defensive set-up.
One wrote: “You can blame De Gea, you can blame Lindelof, you can blame the ref for not giving the foul. I’m blaming Shaw for a pathetic attempt at a clearance then allowing the cross to come in.”
And one said: “I don’t know what’s worse, the Zonal Marking or the terrible punch attempt from De Gea.”
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As the goal stands, De Gea, 29, has now conceded in each of his last 12 Premier League games – the longest run in his United career.
And the keeper, who signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford in September, has made four errors leading to goals this season, with only Newcastle’s Martin Dubravka (5) responsible for more.
Sub Mason Greenwood spared De Gea’s blushed with a brilliant 77th-minute equaliser.