Premier League sent furious VAR verdict after Man Utd controversy: ‘Killing the game’

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Premier League fans have slammed VAR for ‘killing the game’ following controversy between Manchester United and Burnley . The Red Devils looked to be on the way to extending their winless start to the season - only for Bruno Fernandes to notch a 97th minute winner from the penalty spot after VAR intervention.

With the scores level at 2-2 and United running out of time, they were given a golden chance to win the game after Amad was hauled down by Jaidon Anthony as he attempted to run through. The referee was sent to the VAR monitor and decided that the foul continued to take place inside the box - then duly pointed to the spot.

But supporters were not convinced that was the right decision. Taking to Twitter , one fan said: “Only Man Utd could get a penalty for a shirt pull OUTSIDE the box. Another win for VAR.” Another added: “How can that be a penalty? It’s a freekick since it happened outside the box. VAR helps Man Utd today.”

United captain Fernandes eventually tucked home the resulting spot-kick in the 97th minute of the game. But criticism for the decision continued to come.

A fan responded: “Burnley have been robbed here. VAR is killing the game,” while a further supporter wrote: “VAR is having a nightmare weekend so far. Again, they’ve manufactured a win out of nowhere for Man United there.”

And while fans were critical of the decision, ex-Liverpool star Stephen Warnock claimed that it was the right one. He said: “Penalty. Anthony switches off for a second and it's a little one two around him from Amad. The shirt pull starts outside the box but continues inside. It's panic more than anything.”

Speaking after Fernandes had found the net, he added: “It's a get out of jail card for United. They have been poor in the second half and Burnley have been the better side and looked very comfortable. That is a moment that could change United's season and give them that bit of momentum.”

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The late penalty wasn’t the only moment of controversy at Old Trafford throughout what was a thrilling afternoon. United thought they had a penalty early on for Kyle Walker ’s foul on Mason Mount but upon review, that decision was overturned.

Elsewhere, Burnley thought they had scored through Lyle Foster immediately after United had taken a 2-1 lead but that goal was chalked off due to a tight offside call.

United’s late win leaves them ninth in the Premier League heading into the international break, while Burnley are just two places below them.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

BurnleyBruno FernandesAmadJaidon AnthonyLate WinnerVARPremier LeagueManchester United