Manchester United fans are echoing a common sentiment following the contentious penalty decision against them in the closing moments of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.
Despite holding a comfortable 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes, the Red Devils experienced a dramatic collapse.
Ellis Simms managed to pull one back for Coventry, and Callum O’Hare’s deflected strike intensified the tension, setting the stage for an intriguing finale at Wembley.
The Championship side threw everything they had, and in stoppage time, Rob Jones awarded them a penalty after Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball in the area. Despite VAR reviewing the incident, the on-field decision stood.
Haji Wright confidently stepped up and converted the penalty, equalizing to send the traveling Coventry fans into pandemonium and forcing the match into extra time.
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Many observers believed the decision was harsh, especially considering that just the day before, Jack Grealish seemingly got away with a more obvious handball at the same venue during Manchester City’s victory over Chelsea.
One wrote: “Got to feel for Wan-Bissaka. Grealish handball yesterday was not overturned, the trailing arm of AWB is punished.”
Another commented: “If they give that as a penalty I can’t even because that’s exactly the same as the Grealish handball.” A third fumed: “That handball is in no way any different to the grealish handball yesterday, most inconsistent refereeing.”
A fourth added: “How was that Wan-Bissaka handball given but the Grealish one wasn’t? Grealish even moved his arm *towards* the ball to stop it going on goal.”
A final user summarised: “If someone could explain the difference between that handball and Grealish’s yesterday that would be great.” It seems like Manchester United fans are frustrated with the inconsistency in refereeing decisions, particularly regarding handball incidents like the one involving Wan-Bissaka. Many are comparing it to the situation with Jack Grealish from the previous day, highlighting a perceived lack of consistency in officiating.
