Ten Hag criticises ‘inconsistent refereeing’ after Casemiro sees red in Palace clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has lashed out at the inconsistency with refereeing decisions after Casemiro was sent off for violent conduct during the match against Crystal Palace today.

The Red Devils scraped to victory over Patrick Vieira’s side, but Casemiro’s late dismissal set up a nervy ending to a pulsating clash.

Bruno Fernandes put United ahead from the penalty spot just seven minutes into the game before the in-form Marcus Rashford, who won the earlier penalty, continued his terrific goalscoring run by tapping home Luke Shaw’s low cross.

United were in cruise control until Casemiro got his marching orders for grabbing Will Hughes by the neck after a VAR review.

Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back for the Eagles, sparking belief that they could get something out of the game, but Ten Hag’s side held on until the final whistle.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag admitted Casemiro deserved a red card for his violent behaviour but called for more consistency from match officials in their decision-making.

“Casemiro crossed the line, you saw that,” the United boss said (via the Evening Standard).

“However, I’m unhappy with the inconsistent refereeing. Not only this game but also (in the away match against) Palace. They elbowed (Lisandro) Martinez and then last week with (Christian) Eriksen.

“A lot of other players crossed the line, including some Crystal Palace players. VAR didn’t intervene with them.”

Eriksen was on the receiving end of a horror tackle from Andy Caroll, which sidelined the Danish playmaker for the next three months, but the former Liverpool striker did not receive a red for his challenge.

Ten Hag did not hold back in airing his frustration at the inconsistency of the league’s referees but will have to do without Casemiro for his side’s next three matches. 

The Brazilian is expected to return for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at the end of the month.