Pundit fumes at Man United VAR ‘fail’ as controversial Lisandro Martinez footage analysed
Noel Whelan has insisted he “can’t understand” how Man United didn’t concede a penalty for Lisandro Martinez’s “blatant foul” on Brighton hitman Danny Welbeck.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Video Assistant Referee system is “not fit for the job” after the 24-year-old escaped punishment.
Martinez appeared to push Welbeck over inside the 18-yard box as Man United trailed 2-0 in an eventual 2-1 loss at Old Trafford on Sunday (7 August).
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch (8 August), former referee Dermot Gallagher claimed the new Red Devils’ arrival should have conceded a penalty for his “rash” challenge.
Match referee Paul Tierney waved away Brighton appeals and play resumed after a brief check from VAR officials John Brooks and Timothy Wood.
Whelan insisted such “crucial” decisions could “define seasons” for clubs like the Seagulls.
He urged lawmakers to involve ex-players in the VAR decision-making process.
“It’s a fail from VAR,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s a clear foul. He’s pushed him right in the back.
“I’m not sure who they’ve got up in the VAR rooms, but it’s just not working. They should be getting some ex-players involved.
“Welbeck did everything right, got himself behind the ball – and it was a blatant foul. If that’s outside the area, the referee blows up straight away for a foul.
“I really can’t understand this. Either the referees are not up to scratch, or the people in the VAR rooms are just not fit for the job.
“These are crucial points in games which could define the seasons of some clubs.”
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