Manchester United complains about referee calls after Bournemouth draw on March 20, 2026

Manchester United is unhappy with two penalty decisions in their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on March 20, 2026. They believe VAR made costly errors.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

CONTROVERSIAL CALLS SPARK OFFICIAL COMPLAINT

Manchester United is lodging a formal complaint with the Professional Game Match Official Limited (PGMOL) concerning officiating during their recent Premier League draw against Bournemouth. The club's anger centres on a pair of penalty decisions, or lack thereof, in the 2-2 match on Friday, March 20, 2026. Senior officials at the club have expressed significant dissatisfaction, describing the decisions as "baffling" and a "costly VAR error."

Furious Manchester United lodge formal complaint over 'baffling' refereeing in Bournemouth draw - 1

The core of the dispute revolves around two incidents:

Furious Manchester United lodge formal complaint over 'baffling' refereeing in Bournemouth draw - 2

  • An appeal for a penalty when Amad Diallo was reportedly fouled in the box.

  • A subsequent penalty awarded to Bournemouth after Harry Maguire was penalized for a challenge on Evanilson.

Manchester United officials believe the challenge on Diallo warranted a penalty, which, had it been given, would have given them a 2-0 lead. Instead, Bournemouth equalized moments later through Ryan Christie. Later in the game, Maguire's challenge led to a penalty and an equalizer for Bournemouth, with the player also receiving a red card. United's leadership questions the consistency of officiating, particularly highlighting the perceived similarity between the Diallo incident and the foul for which Maguire was penalized.

Read More: Man City vs Liverpool FA Cup game on April 4th has many injured players

Furious Manchester United lodge formal complaint over 'baffling' refereeing in Bournemouth draw - 3

DELVING DEEPER INTO THE DISPUTE

The club's manager, Michael Carrick, voiced his confusion over the differing decisions. He stated, "I don't understand how you can give one and not the other." This inconsistency in intervention, especially when involving VAR, is cited as a key reason for supporter frustration with the technology. The club is also understood to be raising the issue of nine minutes of added time played at the end of the match, during which their 10-man team attempted to secure a draw.

Furious Manchester United lodge formal complaint over 'baffling' refereeing in Bournemouth draw - 4

BROADER CONTEXT OF UNITED'S SEASON

This draw with Bournemouth marks a continuation of Manchester United's struggle for consistent results away from Old Trafford, having won only two of their last eight away fixtures. The team currently finds itself in a battle for a top-five finish in the Premier League. The upcoming schedule includes matches against Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, and Sunderland.

Read More: Coventry City wins 3-2 vs Derby County on April 3, 2026, extending league lead

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Manchester United formally complain about the Bournemouth game on March 20, 2026?
Manchester United complained to PGMOL about two penalty decisions they felt were wrong during their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. They believe VAR errors cost them the win.
Q: What were the specific referee decisions Manchester United are unhappy about?
The club is unhappy about a missed penalty call for Amad Diallo and a penalty given to Bournemouth after a challenge by Harry Maguire. They feel the decisions were not consistent.
Q: What did Manchester United manager Michael Carrick say about the refereeing?
Manager Michael Carrick said he did not understand how one incident was given as a penalty and the other was not, questioning the consistency of the VAR.
Q: How did the referee decisions affect the match score?
Manchester United felt they should have had a penalty that could have made it 2-0. Later, a penalty given to Bournemouth made the score 2-2 and led to Harry Maguire getting a red card.
Q: Is Manchester United having trouble winning away games this season?
Yes, the draw with Bournemouth is part of a pattern. Manchester United has only won two of their last eight away games this season.
Q: What are Manchester United's next important games?
Manchester United will play Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, and Sunderland soon.