Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has come to the defence of Casemiro after the Brazilian got his second red card in three games.
The former Real Madrid destroyer went into a challenge with his studs showing, leading Anthony Taylor, the referee for the game, to book him. After getting advice from the video assistant referee (VAR), referee Taylor overturned his decision to award the Brazilian a yellow card and showed him red instead.
Taylor’s performance was described as inconsistent by many including ten Hag, but the Dutch manager could not totally fault the red card. He instead spoke to the 31-year-old’s attitude and mindset, while claiming that the red cards he has received is not a direct reflection of who he is.
He also took the opportunity to call out the refereeing in the league for seemingly turning their backs on an agreement to allow for a more physical game to be played this season.
“The referees came into the season with a policy, that we are the Premier League, we want intensity and we want to go strong,” he said. “Casemiro has played 500 games in Europe and never had a (straight) red card, and now he has two. He plays tough but fair.
“Of course, it looks bad when you freeze the frame but everyone who knows something about football know what is bad and what is fair. I tell you Casemiro is a very fair player.”
Casemiro was in tears after his 34th minute sending off and had to be consoled by Antony as he left the Old Trafford pitch. The club struggled afterwards and were held to a point by bottom of the table Southampton, who will be very grateful for the turn of events.
The former Ajax Amsterdam manager then went on to talk about referee Taylor’s inconsistency in the game, and spread his criticism to the rest of the refereeing body that is in charge of Premier League games.
For this, he focused on a handball call his team had after Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap seemed to have handled the ball which he felt should have stood. “With the inconsistency, players don’t know any more what the policy is. This was a clear and obvious handball,” he said.
Then he added: “Once again, this team showed big spirit. With 11 and 10 we played at a good level.”
United will now turn their attention to Real Betis in the UEFA Europa League and hope that this small setback will not derail their charge to another title this season.
