PGMOL admits major errors in the Semenyo controversy as Manchester United were denied three clear penalties last night
Manchester United’s chaotic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth has taken an explosive turn following reports that the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have privately acknowledged serious officiating mistakes after reviewing the match. According to sources familiar with the internal process, United were incorrectly denied three clear penalties, all stemming from controversial moments involving Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
The claims have reignited fury among United supporters, analysts, and former referees, many of whom are now describing the match as one of the most damaging VAR failures of the Premier League season. What initially appeared to be another night of frustration for Rúben Amorim’s rebuilding side is now being viewed as a game in which officiating errors directly influenced the outcome and potentially altered the league standings.
Throughout the frantic encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United saw three strong penalty appeals dismissed, each after VAR involvement. The first came early in the second half when Semenyo appeared to block a goal-bound effort with his arm inside the box. Replays showed his arm in an unnatural position, yet VAR advised the referee to allow play to continue. Later on, Rasmus Højlund was clearly held back by the shirt while attempting to connect with a cross inside the area, but once again, VAR chose not to intervene. The final flashpoint arrived deep into stoppage time when Alejandro Garnacho was halted by a clumsy challenge that denied a clear scoring opportunity, only for the review to be brief and ultimately ignored.
Insiders claim that all three incidents were later flagged internally as incorrect decisions. The post-match review reportedly concluded that the Laws of the Game were not applied properly, citing inconsistent interpretation of handball rules, a failure to correct clear and obvious errors, and breakdowns in communication between VAR officials and the on-field referee. While PGMOL have not issued a public apology, disciplinary measures are expected, with officials involved in the match likely to be removed from upcoming Premier League appointments.
The fallout stretches beyond refereeing criticism. United believe that had even two of the three penalty decisions gone their way, the match would almost certainly have ended in victory. Instead of settling for a single point, they could have secured all three, a swing that would place them ahead of Chelsea in the league table. This has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in VAR decision-making.
Rúben Amorim avoided explosive remarks immediately after the game, but it is understood that Manchester United lodged a formal complaint with both the Premier League and PGMOL shortly after the final whistle. Those inside the club are said to be deeply angered, convinced that repeated VAR failures are undermining progress at a critical stage of their rebuild. Privately, the feeling is that the mistakes went beyond normal human error and crossed an unacceptable line.
Supporters reacted with outrage across social media, organizing online campaigns and demanding sweeping changes to how VAR is used. While some fans called for the match to be replayed, such an outcome remains virtually impossible under current regulations. Former referees and pundits also weighed in, with several agreeing that at least two of the incidents were straightforward penalty calls. One ex-Premier League official described the decisions as “textbook penalties,” arguing that VAR exists specifically to prevent errors of that magnitude. Even Roy Keane, who had been critical of United’s performance, briefly shifted focus to the officials, branding the refereeing “incompetent at best.”
Semenyo, meanwhile, became the focal point of the controversy despite delivering an otherwise solid display. Bournemouth defended their player, but analysts stressed that intent was irrelevant. Under current handball guidelines, the position of Semenyo’s arm alone would have been sufficient to award a penalty, regardless of whether the contact was deliberate.
The episode has added fuel to ongoing concerns about VAR consistency across the Premier League. Clubs have repeatedly complained about the lack of accountability, the absence of clear public explanations, and wildly different interpretations from one week to the next. Renewed calls are now growing for the release of post-match VAR audio and the introduction of independent oversight.
Manchester United are unlikely to see the result overturned, but the expected disciplinary action against officials could lead to changes in VAR protocols and appointments. A Premier League statement is anticipated in the coming days as pressure continues to mount.
What should have been remembered as a thrilling, high-scoring draw now stands as a stark example of VAR failure. With PGMOL reportedly admitting serious mistakes behind closed doors, United fans feel justified in their anger — and convinced they were robbed. The debate is no longer about whether VAR got it wrong, but how long clubs will continue to suffer before meaningful reform finally arrives.
