Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Mar 21: Manchester United defender Harry Maguire criticised refereeing decisions after his controversial red card in the side’s 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday.

Maguire was sent off in the 79th minute for a challenge on Evanilson inside the penalty area, with the referee ruling that he had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. At the time, United were leading 2-1 before Eli Junior Kroupi converted the resulting penalty to level the score at the Vitality Stadium.

The decision sparked widespread debate, especially after United were earlier denied a penalty in the 67th minute. Amad Diallo was brought down in the box by Adrien Truffert, but no spot-kick was awarded. Bournemouth went on to score shortly after, with no disciplinary action taken against Truffert.

Reacting after the match, Maguire termed his red card decision “soft” and questioned the inconsistency despite the presence of VAR.

“So soft but that’s where football is at at the moment and I should know better. You would think both decisions would reach the same outcome,” he said.

United’s interim coach Michael Carrick also expressed frustration, criticising referee Stuart Attwell for inconsistency.

“I think they’re both penalties. It’s a massive moment in the game. I don’t understand how you can give one and not the other — it’s crazy,” Carrick said.

The result sees Manchester United remain third in the table with 55 points from 31 matches. However, the dropped points could prove costly in their push for a UEFA Champions League spot, with rivals Aston Villa, Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC closing in.