Premier League officials have issued a statement defending the decision not to send off Tyler Adams during Bournemouth`s match against Manchester United.
The midfielder for the Cherries was shown only a yellow card following a strong challenge on Manchester United`s Alejandro Garnacho.
Adams appeared to have both feet off the ground when he lunged towards the Argentine player in the first half of the game.
Referee Peter Bankes initially issued a yellow card to the American player.
This decision was subsequently upheld by VAR despite a review by the video assistant referee.
The Premier League later clarified their position through their official Match Centre X account.
Their statement read: “The referee’s call of yellow card for the challenge by Adams on Garnacho was checked and confirmed by VAR. The challenge [was] deemed reckless and not serious foul play.”
The decision sparked anger among some fans online. One supporter reacted strongly on X, writing: “NO RED CARD GIVEN FOR ADAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT THE F*** THAT'S A CLEAR RED!!!!!!!!!!! ALMOST KILLED GARNACHO!!!!!"
Another fan commented, referencing a previous incident: “Rashford was sent off for similar last season. Joke decision.”
A third added a comparison: "If that’s Casemiro making the tackle it’s a red. Terrible decision.”
Just two minutes following the challenge, Bournemouth took the lead through their in-form forward Antoine Semenyo.
Manchester United fans expressed frustration with the officials over two potential penalty incidents later in the half.
Harry Maguire seemed to be pulled down inside the penalty area on two separate occasions.
However, the referee`s original decision of no penalty was supported by VAR, which did not advise Bankes to review either incident on the pitchside monitor.
