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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Stephen Killen

Ex-Premier League referee disagrees with Scott McTominay call in Manchester United vs Leicester

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher feels Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay was lucky not to be sent off during his side's draw with Leicester City on Saturday.

The incident occurred when the Scotland international slid in late on James Maddison. After the challenge, the Foxes players were irate and surrounded Andre Marriner but the official only brandished a yellow card.

Gallagher didn't agree with the on-field decision but offered an explanation as to why VAR did not step in. He told Sky Sports: "I think he's very, very lucky. When you're a referee, one of the things you're taught from an early age when a player loses the ball with a heavy touch which he ( McTominay ) does then lunges for the ball is 'prepare, don't judge but prepare'.

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"Warning bells should be there, watch the player and if you watch him, he's gone at speed, intensity and he's caught Maddison. Maddison's very, very lucky he didn't sustain an injury because his foot is off the ground, I think he's very, very lucky.

"For me, yes (it was a red card). The speed, intensity, the way he's lunged and I think the boot on boot comes because Maddison's foot is off the ground which is lucky for him.

"But, the VAR has looked at it and I don't think this is a case of clear and obvious, I think it's subjective because the referee has seen it and it's not a red card. That doesn't mean the VAR can't upgrade it to a red card, he may feel the same as the referee in his mind so that's where you are. You look at that and different people have different views, I think he's very lucky.

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