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Erik ten Hag criticized the Premier League’s use of VAR as “inconsistent” after Casemiro was sent off for the second time in his Manchester United career.
The Brazilian was shown a red card for a high challenge on Carlos Alcaraz during the 0-0 draw with Southampton on Sunday after referee Anthony Taylor was made to consult the pitchside monitor by VAR Andre Marriner.
Ten Hag was furious with the judgment, especially after Ricardo Pereira of Leicester City’s defense went unpunished on Saturday for a similar assault on Chelsea’s Joao Felix.
Armel Bella-Kotchap appeared to hold Marcus Rashford’s cross in the penalty area, and Ten Hag believed that United should have been awarded a penalty.
“What I think is the inconsistency, players don’t know anymore what is the policy,” said Ten Hag. “I think, all across, you see this weekend Leicester versus Chelsea, VAR is not coming on the line [the pitchside monitor].
“Today, it is coming on the line and today two penalty situations, they don’t come on the line. I think especially the first, it is clear and obvious handball. So, what is the policy?”
Casemiro has now been sent off in two of his last three Premier League appearances after being shown a red card for an altercation with Crystal Palace midfielder Will Hughes in February
In his post-game press conference, Ten Hag was eager to defend the former Real Madrid player, who is expected to miss United’s next four domestic games.
“There is another one inconsistent, the refereeing is coming at the start of the season with a policy: ‘We are [the] Premier League, we are going strong and want intensity’,” Ten Hag added. “Casemiro is across European leagues in over 500 games and he had never a [straight] red card and now he has twice. He plays tough, but he plays fair. Also in this he is playing fair. Also against Crystal Palace. It is very debatable.
“Everyone who knows something about football — when you freeze it looks bad — but everyone who knows something about football, they know what is bad and what is fair. Casemiro is a fair player, tough but fair. It shows, over 500 games in big leagues, never sent off.”