VAR denies Man Utd blatant penalty for handball – and even Specsavers are fed up

Manchester United were denied a penalty for a pretty blatant handball at Tottenham in a decision which even Specsavers couldn't believe.

Spurs defender Cristian Romero looked to have given a spot-kick away in the first half of their 2-0 victory on Saturday (August 19) when he clearly blocked Alejandro Garnacho's shot with his arm.

It was undoubtedly outstretched away from his body and both those in the stadium and the millions watching on at home expected VAR to intervene after on-field referee Michael Oliver failed to point to the spot.

But after Oliver paused the game while the incident was checked, his original decision wasn't overturned and the game continued with United only getting a corner.

READ MORE: 'Embarrassing' Man Utd deservedly beaten by Spurs in damaging blow for Erik ten Hag

The decision baffled most viewers – including the Specsavers' Twitter admin. They responded to the account 'Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision?', which uploads screenshots of controversial decisions from the Premier League.

Their reply read: "We’re running out of things to say under your tweets." Fans echoed their baffled sentiments, with one posting: "How are the officials getting worse week by week, it's absolutely incredible."

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A second pleaded: "Relegate all the Premier League refs to Championship." A third argued: "This is stupid. No way that’s not a pk."

"If this isn't a handball I don't know what is. This is a brilliant save if it's made by a keeper. Embarrassing," fumed a fourth, while a fifth questioned: "Is it me or they used the worst possible angles to show in the VAR replay?"

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United boss Erik ten Hag was convinced a mistake was made. He told Sky Sports post-match: "Absolutely a penalty. He changes the direction of the ball and his hand is blocking high above. But OK, you have to accept it."

The Dutchman watched his side concede twice in the second half, with Pape Sarr putting the hosts ahead shortly after the break before a Lisandro Martinez own-goal wrapped up the win.

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