Darren Fletcher has expressed his disappointment at Manchester United's Kyle Walker for stamping on Burnley player Patrick Dorgu during their 2-2 draw, saying it didn't look good from Walker's perspective but the referee and video assistant referee missed it. The incident occurred with the ball trapped between Dorgu's legs and Walker stamped on the back of his left thigh before offering a handshake.
Fletcher believes VAR should have reviewed the incident, especially given they had already disallowed a goal in the same game due to VAR review. He thinks that if VAR had looked at it, players might not make a show of making "massive dramas out of things and being theatrical," which is what happened here.
The criticism comes after Walker's actions were described as a stamp on Dorgu's leg, while he claimed he was trying to play the ball. Fletcher also pointed out that in the first half, Walker went to ground when challenged by Lisandro Martínez, but stood up and scored, which the VAR missed. Fletcher hopes that Walker won't be banned for this incident, given his good character.
Separately, Tottenham's Cristian Romero has been handed an additional one-match ban after being sent off during their 2-1 loss to Liverpool last month. He received a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté in added time and initially refused to leave the field but accepted the red card later.
Newcastle defender Fabian Schär may miss several weeks with an ankle ligament injury sustained in a collision during their 4-3 win against Leeds. Manager Eddie Howe expressed his optimism that Schär will recover before the end of the season, while the team is also short-handed due to injuries and suspension.
Andoni Iraola from Bournemouth said they would look for alternative wingers to fill Antoine Semenyo's void in January after he signed with Manchester City on Friday. The 26-year-old winger had scored 10 goals in 21 appearances this season, scoring a winner against Tottenham.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will miss the FA Cup tie against Tottenham due to a calf injury sustained during their goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Marco Bizot is set to deputise for the match.
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris plans to pick a strong side against Everton, but with only 15 outfield players available after several players are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Fletcher believes VAR should have reviewed the incident, especially given they had already disallowed a goal in the same game due to VAR review. He thinks that if VAR had looked at it, players might not make a show of making "massive dramas out of things and being theatrical," which is what happened here.
The criticism comes after Walker's actions were described as a stamp on Dorgu's leg, while he claimed he was trying to play the ball. Fletcher also pointed out that in the first half, Walker went to ground when challenged by Lisandro Martínez, but stood up and scored, which the VAR missed. Fletcher hopes that Walker won't be banned for this incident, given his good character.
Separately, Tottenham's Cristian Romero has been handed an additional one-match ban after being sent off during their 2-1 loss to Liverpool last month. He received a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konaté in added time and initially refused to leave the field but accepted the red card later.
Newcastle defender Fabian Schär may miss several weeks with an ankle ligament injury sustained in a collision during their 4-3 win against Leeds. Manager Eddie Howe expressed his optimism that Schär will recover before the end of the season, while the team is also short-handed due to injuries and suspension.
Andoni Iraola from Bournemouth said they would look for alternative wingers to fill Antoine Semenyo's void in January after he signed with Manchester City on Friday. The 26-year-old winger had scored 10 goals in 21 appearances this season, scoring a winner against Tottenham.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will miss the FA Cup tie against Tottenham due to a calf injury sustained during their goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday. Marco Bizot is set to deputise for the match.
Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris plans to pick a strong side against Everton, but with only 15 outfield players available after several players are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
. The fact that VAR missed it too is frustrating, especially when they already reviewed another goal incorrectly earlier in the game 
. Darren Fletcher's point about players making a big show out of nothing is valid, but let's not forget Walker has shown good character throughout his career 
. I'm hoping he won't get banned for this, and maybe VAR can improve their review process to avoid similar incidents in the future 
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so like walker just stampin on dorgu and everyone's all bent outta shape... fletcher says var should've reviewed it tho... i feel him, if var can miss a goal then why not this? 
it's all about perception i guess. walker said he was tryin to play the ball but fletcher thinks it looked worse from dorgu's perspective 
and on a related note, cristian romero got banned for bein too dramatic 
or maybe not enough? either way, you gotta love eddie howe bein optimistic about fabian schär's return 
I completely agree w Walker!!! Refs and VAR need 2 step up their game!! 
If they had reviewed that stamp, it wouldn't be a big deal now 
Schär's injury is so frustrating for Newcastle fans 
like fletcher said, players make a big show of things sometimes, no need for walker to get roasted over this... plus he's got good form and a clean record, hope the FA doesn't hit him hard with a ban 
. I mean, it's not like it was a minor thing, you know? Walker literally stamped on Dorgu's leg! 
And Fletcher's right, they should've reviewed it. It's like they're trying to send the wrong message that players can get away with this kind of behavior and be all dramatic about it. 
. I know he lost his cool, but come on! It was just one yellow card. And Newcastle's Fabian Schär injury is no joke - hope he recovers soon 
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. Bournemouth needs a new winger ASAP 
. And Aston Villa's gonna have to step up their game with Martínez out 
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. Walker's got a good record and all, but that was still some harsh treatment for the poor bloke he stamped on 
. I mean, if Walker gets banned, that's just another agenda 2 take down Manchester United 
. Anndddd Tottenham's Cristian Romero got an extra one-match ban after kickin' out at Ibrahima Konaté... seems like the refs are out 2 get him