21 August 2023 , 12:00
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Manchester United are unhappy with referee Michael Oliver's decision to book captain Bruno Fernandes for dissent in their defeat to Tottenham.
United were beaten 2-0 by Spurs on Saturday thanks to a goal from Pape Matar Sarr and an own goal from Lisandro Martinez. And new skipper Fernandes was one of three Red Devils stars booked by Oliver during the game.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antony were both shown yellow cards in the first-half after making fouls, while Fernandes went into the after questioning Oliver's decision to book Antony.
According to Manchester Evening News, United are not happy with Oliver's 'refusal to engage' with Fernandes because his role as captain means he is 'entitled to approach a referee'.
The report adds that the club are concerned Fernandes is 'gaining an unfair reputation', with referees being told to clamp down on dissent as part of a number of rule changes this season. "People will have to understand that some behaviours that previously would have been managed or ignored will no longer be managed or ignored, and those behaviours will stop," PGMOL chief Howard Webb explained.
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"It is important our officials recognise, understand and differentiate between emotion and passion and something that is unacceptable. For too long officials have not necessarily been able to make that differentiation too well or they have chosen to turn a blind eye to certain things, maybe thinking it was the best way to deal with it, not make a fuss, not draw attention to what might have been perceived as an error on the field.
"But the power of example is so strong and we are seeing all the numbers are travelling in the wrong direction. We are seeing grassroots officials having a bad experience too often. This has to change in our sport. We are determined collectively in our game to do this.
Fernandes was booked for dissent by Oliver during United's 2-0 loss to Tottenham (Julian Finney/Getty Images)"It is resting on the shoulders of the officials to do this but they understand by doing it consistently, they will improve the example that is set and the experience in the professional game. While initially there are some changes in behaviour that will have to be driven through, they will end up with a game that is more enjoyable from their point of view as well."
Fernandes was left furious by Oliver's decision not to award a penalty for a handball claim against Cristian Romero. Referencing the fact that referee chief Jon Moss apologised to Wolves the week before after they were not given a penalty in their 1-0 loss to United, Fernandes said: "They [referees] have to start making interviews after the games so that they can explain themselves.
"It was a clear penalty, no excuses for not seeing, no excuses for the VAR to not see that. Last week they made a big thing on United not having a penalty against [them]. I want to see what is going to happen this week if it is going to happen the same show they did last week. I want to see if Jon Moss also comes to apologise to our dressing room like they did to the manager of Wolves. I hope he can come."