Premier League share statement on VAR after Casemiro controversy in Man United vs Chelsea
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(Credit: Imago)
Oliver Walton
Sat 20 September 2025 19:45, UK
Casemiro was controversially sent off for a second yellow card in a blockbuster showdown between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Man United were handed an advantage inside the first five minutes on Saturday when Robert Sanchez saw red for bringing down Bryan Mbeumo as the last man.
Ruben Amorim has been under pressure at Man United in recent weeks, but his side made the most of being a man up by going two goals ahead in the first period through Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Peter Bankes had booked the Brazilian midfielder for a late tackle on Enzo Fernandez in the 17th minute, and he received his marching orders not long after his goal for a second yellow card following a tug on Andrey Santos’ shirt.
His second booking caused controversy for its seemingly innocuous nature, but the Premier League have moved to clarify exactly why referee Bankes saw fit to show him red.
Luckily for the Red Devils, they managed to hold on for a much-needed 2-1 win.
Credit: Getty Images
Casemiro was never sent off in a La Liga game during his seven seasons as a regular in Real Madrid‘s midfield, but he earned two reds in his first season at United and now has another to his name.
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He looked to be in shock at the referee’s decision to show him a second yellow in added time against Chelsea, but the Premier League Match Centre did reveal the exact reason why he was sent off in a post to their X account.
It was also explained why VAR didn’t get involved.
Their statement (20 September, 6:38 pm) read: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Casemiro for a holding offence that stopped a promising attack.
There was no VAR involvement in the second yellow card as per VAR protocol.”
Casemiro was linked with a move away from Man United in the summer, and some supporters may have wished that he left after such a senseless red card.
He has divided many fans’ opinions in his three years at the club so far, but one statistic is now for certain, as he became the first-ever Red Devils player to score and be sent off in the first half of a Premier League game against Chelsea.
That kind of fact sums him up as a player, as he can do something top-draw with relative ease, then undo his good work with a poor moment in an instant.
United will now be without him for a tough trip to Brentford next weekend, with Manuel Ugarte likely to be handed a start in his place by Amorim.