Erik ten Hag questions Premier League refereeing after Casemiro’s red card

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag criticized Premier League refereeing after Casemiro received a red card in a 0-0 draw against Southampton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

This is the second red card of the season for the Brazilian. Casemiro had received his first red card when it was seen that he had both of his hands on Crystal Palace’s Will Hughes’ neck, which meant referee Tony Harrington gave a red card to the Brazilian midfielder.

Meanwhile, Casemiro received his second yellow against Southampton for his tackle against midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in the 32nd minute. Referee Anthony Taylor was asked to consult the monitor before sending off the midfielder.

“What I think is the inconsistency, players don’t know anymore what is the policy,” Ten Hag said, “and I think it’s all across.

“We see it with Premier League yesterday: Leicester-Chelsea, the VAR is not coming on the line. Today, it’s coming on the line. And then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come on the line. Especially the first one, it was clear and obvious handball so what is the policy?”

Erik Ten Hag believes the system is inconsistent and it cannot be the case in the Premier League.

“There’s another one: inconsistent. The referee is coming in the start of the season with a policy, we are Premier League, it’s coming strong here, we want intensity.

“Casemiro is across European games, over 500 games he never had a red card. Now he has two. Think about that. He plays tough but he plays fair. And also in this, he’s playing fair, the same as against Crystal Palace, so it’s very debatable.

“Everyone who knows something about football, you know, and of course, when you freeze it, it looks bad. But everyone who knows something about football, who was acting on top football, they know what is bad, what isn’t bad and what is fair. And I tell you: Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough, but fair.”

Manchester United will be disappointed after sharing with spoils with Southampton, who are at the bottom of the standings. The Red Devils will next take on Real Betis in the second leg Round of 16 in the Europa League on Thursday.