Antoine Semenyo escapes ban after controversial incident vs Man United – Keith Hackett
Manchester United played out a highly entertaining 4-4 draw against Bournemouth on Monday, but it was not without its controversies.
Late in the first half, Antoine Semenyo, who has been linked to Man United, appeared to grab the throat of Diogo Dalot.
This came after a clash between the two that saw the Bournemouth star get knocked to the ground by Dalot after they battled for the ball in the air.
Yet, Simon Hooper chose not to send the Cherries star off, instead brandishing a yellow card. This quickly came back to haunt Man United, with Semenyo continuing his wonderful Bournemouth form to play a key role in the draw at Old Trafford.
Now, looking back at the incident, former referee Keith Hackett believes the Ghana international was lucky not to see a red card.
Keith Hackett: Referee was right to only yellow card Antoine Semenyo
Man United have had multiple controversial decisions go against them in recent weeks.
Therefore, they will no doubt feel aggrieved that Semenyo was not given his marching orders in the first half, a decision that would have no doubt changed the game.
However, Hackett actually backed Hooper’s decision to keep the attacker on the pitch, believing that there was “no violence in the action”.
No red card given to Antoine Semenyo for hands to the neck of Diogo Dalot 👀 pic.twitter.com/jR1nYqZNHu
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 15, 2025
The ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider: “Semenyo was fortunate not to see a red card for placing his hands on the throat of his opponent.
“The referee judged that there was no violence in the action; therefore, he decided to yellow-card the player.
“I support the referee’s decision on this course of action. Yellow card sufficient.”
Gary Neville quick to agree with Semenyo yellow card decision
Watching the match on Sky Sports on 15 December, Gary Neville was also quick to agree with the referee’s decision.
The Man United legend was one of the commentators for the clash, but has regularly hidden his bias.
This was on show during the clash between Semenyo and Dalot, with the former full-back insisting that a yellow card was the correct decision as the Bournemouth man escaped red.
“It looked like he’s [Semenyo] giving him [Dalot] a clip in the face, but maybe it’s lower. It’s certainly a massive risk,” Neville stated.
“I can see why Semenyo’s snapped. Dalot bumped him while he’s in the air – it’s a bit naughty.
“He’s [Semenyo] gone for his [Dalot] neck but he just pulled back. Two yellow cards is the right decision.”