Campbell issues ‘ridiculous’ Bruno Fernandes verdict as Man United controversy analysed
Kevin Campbell has slammed referee Michael Oliver for failing to “take control” in the latter stages of Liverpool’s loss to Man United on Monday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League striker suggested Bruno Fernandes should have been sent off for holding onto the ball after Mohamed Salah’s goal.
Fernandes grabbed hold of the ball and refused to let go after Salah got one back for the Reds at Old Trafford.
Referee Michael Oliver decided not to book Fernandes, who was already on a yellow card, for the incident.
Campbell claimed it was “ridiculous” how long the Portugal international held onto the ball.
“I do not want to see anybody sent off for that but the referee has got to take charge,” he told Football Insider.
“Michael Oliver has got to take charge. He has got to blow his whistle and tell Fernandes to drop the ball. But he was trying to stop the Liverpool players from getting to Fernandes! I do not understand it.
“Liverpool are desperate to get the ball back to the centre circle. That is what you do when you are behind in a big game. Fernandes has got the ball and is stopping the opposition getting it. It is ridiculous.
“The referee did not take charge of that situation as he should have as far as I’m concerned. Do you know what, I am fed up speaking about these referees because that should have been refereeing 101. ‘Drop the ball or I’ll book you.’ It is that simple.
“I have seen players get booked for a lot less than Fernandes. He must have had the ball for a minute. It is ridiculous. I understand it is a huge game but the referee has got to take control.”
In other news, a finance guru has claimed Man United fans will be outraged as a ‘controversial’ cash plan emerges.