Cristiano Ronaldo: Expert fumes over Man United ‘farce’ after controversy analysed
Paul Robinson has slammed VAR official Lee Mason for a “farcical” decision involving Man United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one claimed Ronaldo, 37, was denied a clear penalty in Saturday’s goalless draw with Watford.
The Portugal captain went down following a challenge inside the area from Hassane Kamara but referee Kevin Friend waved play on.
VAR official Lee Mason decided against intervening as he did not deem there to have been a clear and obvious error by the on-field referee.
The call would ultimately prove decisive with the Red Devils failing to convert numerous good chances at Old Trafford.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the controversial decision, Robinson said: “What a farce.
“I cannot understand why VAR did not overturn it. It makes absolute no sense to me.
“Ok, I can maybe understand why the referee missed it but for the VAR official not to pull it up makes no sense. What is the point in VAR if it’s not to intervene in moments like that? That is what it’s there for.
“It was a clear and obvious error. In those situations you have to at least ask the referee to go and have a second look at it.
“It cost Manchester United in the end.”
The result sees Ralf Rangnick’s side lost ground in the race for the top four.
United are currently fourth, two points ahead of West Ham and Arsenal.
In other news, Man United have been tipped to seal Harry Kane signing after an update from ESPN.