PGMOL insider reveals why VAR were wrong about Mason Mount decision vs Fulham
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(Credit: Imago, Getty)
Ciaran Morrison
Sun 24 August 2025 19:10, UK
A PGMOL insider has blasted referee Chris Kavanagh following the awarding of a Manchester United penalty against Fulham.
Fulham held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw, with Emile Smith-Rowe cancelling out an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz.
Bruno Fernandes skied a penalty over the bar after the referee had judged Calvin Bassey to have fouled Mason Mount in the penalty area.
Leny Yoro impressed against Fulham for Man United, but the result leaves Ruben Amorim’s side without a win from their opening two matches.
Fernandes missed a penalty against Fulham.
(Credit: Imago)
With the match goalless in the 32nd minute a Manchester United corner promoted the referee into a major decision.
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The referee originally did not point to the spot and required intervention from VAR to give the spot kick, which Fernandes subsequently missed.
Fernandes was unhappy with the referee when preparing to take the spot kick, as Kavanagh appeared to make contact with the Portugal international.
Bassey gave away the penalty.
(Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive comment from former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has delivered his verdict on the series of events, believing the final decision made by Kavanagh was incorrect.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett states that Bassey and Shaw both fouled their man and that therefore, with the incidents taking place at the same time, a penalty to Man United should not have been awarded.
“So there are two fouls at the same time; You do not require VAR intervention you want decisive officiating,” Hackett said.
“You cannot separate the timing of these two incidents.
“I would suggest blowing and give all four players a warning and order the retake of the corner kick.
“I do not see how you can award a penalty kick ahead of the foul on the defender.
“Safety first officiating would be to award a free kick to the defending team.”
The awarding of the penalty did not have a consequence for Fulham as Fernandes missed from the spot, and despite going behind Smith-Rowe’s near post finish gave Marco Silva side a deserved point.
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