The Peoples Person
·21. März 2026
Alan Shearer rips into refereeing standards after Man United penalty saga

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Yahoo sportsThe Peoples Person
·21. März 2026

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has torn into the shocking refereeing standards in the Premier League after Manchester United became the latest club to be disadvantaged by VAR’s inconsistencies.
United’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday was a controversial one.
The Red Devils took the lead from the penalty spot after Alex Jimenez pulled back Matheus Cunha, while Harry Maguire was given his marching orders for taking down Evanilson inside the danger area.
But Adrien Truffert’s tug on Amad was not punished, with United strongly feeling that they were due a penalty. Repeated appeals to referee Stuart Atwell fell on deaf ears.
Just 25 seconds after Truffert’s foul on Amad, Bournemouth raced down the other end and scored to make it 1-1.
Bruno Fernandes was incensed after the final whistle, criticising the officiating and arguing that consistency demanded either both penalties be given or neither. Michael Carrick was equally furious, branding the calls as “mental” and “baffling.”
A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier today noted that United will make a complaint to the PGMOL. It was stated that club chiefs were also left angry and felt Carrick’s assessment of the game was justified.
Shearer has joined the party, slamming the shocking officiating in England’s top flight.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Shearer remarked that refereeing standards are “the worst we have seen for a long time” and “only getting worse” because of the use of VAR.
The former Newcastle man added, “They [referees] are too reliant on it and it’s affecting the standard of refereeing now, and it’s not a good look.”
“You should have given a penalty when you gave two like that. How on earth do you not give another one.”
United return to action on April 13 when they welcome arch-rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford.
Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images
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