‘Difficult to understand’ – Ex-FIFA Ref Baffled by Crucial Man United Penalty Incident v Athletic

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has weighed in with a scathing verdict on a highly controversial moment during Manchester United’s recent clash against Athletic Club, expressing disbelief at the officiating decision that saw the Red Devils denied a seemingly clear penalty.

The incident, which occurred in the second half of the tense match, has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the consistency and clarity of refereeing decisions in high-profile matches. Manchester United, who were chasing a decisive breakthrough at the time, were left stunned after their appeals for a spot-kick were waved away by the referee.

Hackett, known for his decades-long contribution to officiating and as a former head of the PGMOL, did not mince his words when speaking exclusively to Football Insider. “It’s difficult to understand how that wasn’t a penalty,” he said. “You’ve got a clear contact, you’ve got a player impeded in the box – and yet the officials don’t act. It raises questions.”

The incident in question involved United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo being clipped from behind by an Athletic Club defender after skillfully navigating past two players in the area. Replays showed significant contact, yet neither the referee nor the VAR intervened to award a penalty.

“The angle and the view were absolutely clear,” Hackett continued. “It’s not one of those grey-area calls. This was the kind of decision that should have been straightforward. That’s why I’m baffled.”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim appeared visibly frustrated on the sidelines, and his post-match comments hinted at dissatisfaction, though he stopped short of outright criticizing the referee. “We’re disappointed not to get that call. We think it was an important moment in the game,” Amorim said.

The match ultimately ended in a goalless draw, a result that did little to help United’s pre-season rhythm or confidence, especially with the Premier League season fast approaching. The decision not to award a penalty has only compounded frustrations for the team’s coaching staff and supporters.

VAR’s role in the incident has come under renewed scrutiny. According to Hackett, the lack of intervention represents a failure of the technology’s intended purpose. “VAR is there to correct clear and obvious errors. If this isn’t a clear and obvious error, I don’t know what is,” he argued.

He further suggested that the Premier League and UEFA need to seriously examine the consistency of VAR usage. “It’s not about the technology, it’s about how people use it. And in this case, it simply wasn’t used properly,” Hackett concluded.

This isn’t the first time Manchester United have found themselves at the center of penalty controversy. Last season, the club voiced concerns over several missed decisions in matches that ultimately affected their final league position.

Former players have also reacted strongly. United legend Rio Ferdinand took to social media to label the decision “ridiculous,” while Paul Scholes described it as “a joke,” pointing out that these sorts of incidents undermine the integrity of the game.

Meanwhile, fan reactions have been predictably heated. Social media was awash with furious posts and video analyses showing frame-by-frame replays of the contact. Hashtags like #JusticeForUnited and #VARFail trended in the UK within minutes of the final whistle.

The incident has renewed the debate around accountability for referees. Many are now calling for referees to be required to explain their decisions post-match, as seen in other sports like rugby. This, supporters argue, would help reduce the confusion and suspicion that currently plagues decision-making.

It also adds more pressure on officiating bodies like UEFA and the Premier League to implement reforms that increase transparency and ensure a higher standard of refereeing. “We’re talking about a top-level game involving one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Hackett. “The fans deserve better.”

For now, Manchester United will need to regroup and focus on their remaining preseason fixtures. But this incident will no doubt be used as a reference point in ongoing conversations about the quality and reliability of officiating across Europe.

With the competitive season looming, the Red Devils can only hope such moments are not repeated when points and progress are on the line. Still, for many, the question remains: how did everyone watching at home see a penalty – except the people that mattered most?