Premier League release statement on key penalty decision after Man Utd’s horror draw with Fulham

MANCHESTER UNITED were controversially denied a penalty against Fulham despite the ball striking Calvin Bassey’s hand. Replays showed there was clear contact after Lisandro Martinez flicked the ball towards the Cottagers defender in the 86th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 draw. Calvin Bassey was not penalised for this handball against Manchester United Credit: Sky Sports Peter Bankes waved play on and was backed up by his colleagues Credit: Getty By that point, United were a goal down and scrambling to rescue a point. Referee Peter Bankes waved play on – and he was backed up by his fellow officials. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Now, the Premier League have offered full transparency on the incident by publishing a statement via their Match Centre on X. And they also released a transcript of the conversation between Bankes, assistant referee Dan Cook and VAR Nick Hopton. The statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR.” Assistant Referee 1, Cook, said to his colleagues after the ball struck Bassey’s hand: “It’s close to his body – it has hit but his arm is close to his body.” Bankes replied: “On-field decision is play on.” And Hopton added: “Arms close to his body. As seen – confirming the on-field decision to play on, exactly as described on-field.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK It was shaping up to be a dreary day for United after Martinez fumbled a comical own goal past the equally culpable Senne Lammens just after the hour mark. Their fans grew more frustrated when Bassey’s handball shout was waved away. But they salvaged something from the game when Matheus Cunha‘s 89th-minute effort deflected off David Affengruber. Carrick is facing fierce criticism, including from former team-mate Gary Neville, about United’s lack of urgency during the game. But the Red Devils boss insists he was happy with his players’ effort ahead of an international break which will give him a vital opportunity to regroup. Carrick said: “I didn’t think we looked passive. Football is a difficult game. “We controlled a lot of the first half and played a lot of good football today. “There are going to be spells when you don’t have it go your own way.” Comment now