The Crystal Palace manager has launched a sensational “foul play” accusation against the officials following Manchester United’s controversial win

“The Game Was Taken From Us” — Glasner Blasts Officials After Old Trafford Drama

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner delivered one of the most fiery post-match reactions of the Premier League season after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Austrian coach accused match officials of effectively deciding the outcome, claiming his team were unfairly punished in a moment that completely altered the contest.

Glasner, who is typically composed in front of the media, did not disguise his frustration after a VAR review resulted in defender Maxence Lacroix being sent off and a penalty awarded to United. Palace had been leading 1-0 thanks to Lacroix’s early header, but the game turned in the 52nd minute when Matheus Cunha went down under a challenge inside the area.

Referee Chris Kavanagh initially awarded a penalty, but after reviewing the incident on the monitor, he upgraded the decision to a red card for Lacroix for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Glasner strongly disputed both calls, insisting the contact began outside the penalty area and should never have resulted in a spot-kick.

According to the Palace boss, the decision felt predetermined. He argued that crucial moments at Old Trafford often appear to lean in favor of the home side, suggesting that the rules were interpreted differently in such high-profile settings. His comments hinted at deep frustration with the league’s officiating standards.

United quickly capitalized on the numerical advantage. Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the penalty to level the match before Benjamin Sesko rose to head home the winner from a Fernandes delivery, completing the turnaround and lifting Michael Carrick’s side to third in the table.

The defeat was a bitter blow for Palace, especially given how firmly they had controlled the opening stages. For Glasner, the fallout could extend beyond the result itself. With his departure from Selhurst Park already scheduled for the end of the 2025/26 campaign, his outspoken remarks may draw scrutiny from the FA and potentially lead to disciplinary action as he enters the closing stretch of his tenure.