Exclusive: ‘Paul Tierney failed to make use of technology in Man United controversy’
VAR official Paul Tierney should have intervened after an early incident in Sunday’s Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Ruben Dias‘ challenge on Alejandro Garnacho inside the very first minute should have resulted in a Manchester United penalty.
Man United and City played out one of the most drab derbies in recent years, drawing 0-0 in a stalemate which saw Ruben Amorim and Pep Guardiola’s sides completely cancel each other out for 90 minutes.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout with United and City producing one big chance apiece, but that could all have been different had referee John Brooks’ first-minute decision gone the other way.
Alejandro Garnacho denied Man United penalty
Although Sunday’s derby descended into a forgettable goalless draw, Amorim’s Red Devils flew out of the traps in the opening minute as Rasmus Hojlund released Garnacho in behind the City defence.
Garnacho cut inside onto his right foot, looking to beat Matheus Nunes and Dias, but was tripped by the latter in a foul which saw referee John Brooks blow for a free-kick to the home side just outside the box.
| Manchester United | Statistic | Manchester City |
| 0 | Goals | 0 |
| 0.92 | xG | 0.49 |
| 2 / 13 | Shots on Target | 5 / 9 |
| 42% | Possession | 58% |
| 5 | Corners | 3 |
Brooks brandished a yellow card Dias’ way after awarding the free-kick to show that the foul was a serious one with Garnacho through on goal, but failed to call upon VAR for a second look at the tackle.
Having taken a second look at the footage and position of the foul, Hackett was adamant that a penalty should have been awarded United’s way, with the challenge taking place right on the line of the box.
Paul Tierney intervention ‘essential’ after Alejandro Garnacho controversy – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider if Brooks’ initial decision to give Man United a free-kick and not ask VAR for a second opinion was correct, the former FIFA referee said:
“It was a close call, and that initial contact appears to be just outside the area – the speed of the player moves the incident closer to the line, which is of course then deemed inside”, Hackett told Football Insider.
“I’ve had the opportunity of looking closely at the replays shown by beIN Sports. The quality of their technical equipment gives clarity to that early decision in the Manchester Derby.”
“Referee John Brooks, close to the incident, waved away appeals for a penalty kick. However, looking at the beIN Sports replay evidence shows that the offence was on the line and the outcome should have been the award of a penalty kick.
“Technology on these tight decisions is essential, allowing VAR [Paul] Tierney to make the correct call, rather than the inaccurate intervention and result.”
Given Garnacho’s run in behind in the opening seconds was one of few hair-raising moments in the match, United being awarded – and scoring – a penalty could have completely changed its complexion.
The Red Devils having 89 minutes to defend a 1-0 lead could have led to a much more enthralling encounter, as well as making it two wins from two for Ruben Amorim over Pep Guardiola this season.