“There’s definitely something wrong somewhere. The decision to give the young player a red card is too excessive. It seems like the referee made that terrible decision on purpose. The Premier League should look into this matter” – This is according to Gary Neville as he slams the referee officials and VAR in the Man United match against Ipswich Town for an unnecessary red card that was given to Patrick Dorgu.
Gary Neville Slams Referee and VAR After Controversial Red Card for Patrick Dorgu in Manchester United vs. Ipswich Town
Manchester United’s clash with Ipswich Town took a controversial turn when young defender Patrick Dorgu was shown a straight red card in a decision that has sparked widespread debate. Former United captain and pundit Gary Neville did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating, calling the dismissal ‘excessive’ and suggesting that the Premier League should investigate the matter further.
Neville’s Outrage: ‘The Decision Was Too Excessive’
Following the match, Neville expressed his frustration with the refereeing and VAR’s involvement in the decision, questioning whether the officials had made an unfair judgment.
“There’s definitely something wrong somewhere. The decision to give the young player a red card is too excessive. It seems like the referee made that terrible decision on purpose. The Premier League should look into this matter,” Neville stated on live television.
His comments have since gone viral, with many football fans and analysts weighing in on the controversy surrounding Dorgu’s dismissal.
Was the Red Card Justified?
The incident occurred in the second half when Dorgu, in what seemed to be a routine defensive challenge, made contact with an Ipswich player. The referee wasted no time in brandishing the red card, much to the disbelief of the Manchester United players and fans.
VAR was called upon to review the incident, yet the decision stood—something that has only added to the controversy. Replays appeared to show minimal contact, leading many to believe that a yellow card at most would have been the appropriate punishment.
Neville Calls for Premier League Investigation
Neville’s call for the Premier League to examine the decision raises questions about the consistency of officiating in English football. This season has already seen multiple VAR-related controversies, and Neville believes that such decisions must be scrutinized to ensure fairness.
“We’ve seen questionable red cards before, but this one is ridiculous. It puts unnecessary pressure on young players and affects the outcome of games. The authorities need to address this issue before it gets out of hand,” he added.
Fans and Pundits React
The reaction from football fans has been overwhelmingly in agreement with Neville’s stance. Many took to social media to express their disbelief over the call, with some suggesting that Premier League officiating standards have declined in recent years.
One fan tweeted, “If this is a red card, then football is finished. How does VAR not overturn this?”
Another added, “Neville is right. The inconsistency in decisions is killing the game. Some players get away with worse tackles, and this is a straight red?”
What Happens Next?
With the match result now overshadowed by the red card controversy, Manchester United may appeal the decision to have Dorgu’s suspension overturned. If successful, it would further highlight the inconsistencies in officiating, strengthening Neville’s argument for increased scrutiny over refereeing standards.
Meanwhile, the Premier League will likely face renewed calls to refine VAR protocols and ensure that refereeing decisions do not disproportionately impact young players or the integrity of matches.
One thing is certain—Gary Neville’s comments have once again ignited the debate on whether officiating in English football needs urgent reform.
