Referee who allowed controversial Man United goal to stand not selected for final round of Premier League games | OneFootball

The referee who controversially allowed a Manchester United goal to stand last weekend despite an apparent handball has been omitted from the final round of Premier League fixtures this Sunday.

Michael Salisbury’s decision to let Matheus Cunha’s goal count – United’s second in their 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday – drew widespread criticism. The goal was scored after Bryan Mbeumo handled the ball in the build-up.

Despite being advised by VAR to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, Salisbury upheld his original decision. Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), later contacted Forest, and it is understood he acknowledged that a better call should have been made.

While English referees generally adopt a more lenient approach to handball, PGMO conceded that in this specific instance, the on-field decision should have been overturned.

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Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha (left) celebrates scoring their side’s second goal after a VAR check during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday May 17, 2026. (PA Wire)

Salisbury has not been a regular fixture in the Premier League this season, having officiated only 13 league matches, significantly fewer than colleagues like Michael Oliver, who has overseen 28 and is appointed for the crucial Tottenham vs Everton clash.

World Cup referee Anthony Taylor will take charge of the relegation battle between West Ham and Leeds, while emerging talent Farai Hallam is assigned to Crystal Palace against newly crowned Premier League champions Arsenal.

Meanwhile, another refereeing decision has come under scrutiny, with James Bell selected as VAR for the Fulham vs Newcastle match.

This appointment follows criticism over his failure to recommend a review of Kai Havertz’s challenge on Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu during Monday night’s Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium, which Arsenal won 1-0.

Paul Tierney issued a yellow card for the incident, but replays clearly depicted Havertz’s studs making contact with the Burnley player’s calf. Despite this, Bell checked and confirmed the on-field decision, opting against recommending a review for a potential red card.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville branded Havertz’s challenge "vicious", adding: "He is miles away from the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact it is on the standing leg."