Man Utd and Chelsea learn new referee verdict after red card and penalty decision

Former referee Dermot Gallagher has backed the decision to send off Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez early in their Premier League clash against Manchester United. Sanchez was given his marching orders for denying a goalscoring opportunity when he fouled Bryan Mbeumo outside the penalty box.

The incident, which occurred just five minutes into the match, forced manager Enzo Maresca to make some quick changes, bringing on Filip Jorgensen for Estevao and Tosin Adarabioyo for Pedro Neto. Discussing the incident on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher stated: "I don't think there's any doubt it's a red card.

"You see a goalkeeper come out, whatever reason he comes out for, it takes out Mbeumo. I don't think anybody would argue it's a red card. A big decision four minutes in, and he (referee Peter Bankes) rose to it."

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford dropped by Barcelona as Man Utd issue strikes again hours before match

READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho's awkward reunion with ex-Man Utd teammate caught on camera

Football pundit Jay Bothroyd also agreed with the decision, remarking: "It was reckless, wasn't it? I have got a bit of sympathy here though for Sanchez, obviously, the weather, as you can see, it's really wet.

"The ball bounces differently; it skidded forward. There's no doubt about it, it's a red card, it's just so early in the game I think he got his starting position wrong.

"Ultimately, either way, (he's) stopping a goalscoring opportunity and that tackle was high anyway."

United capitalised on their numerical advantage in the opening period, with strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro establishing a 2-0 lead. However, Casemiro was shown a second yellow card moments before the interval to level the playing field.

Chelsea rallied in the second period, with Trevoh Chalobah netting in the 80th minute. But, they were unable to locate the crucial equaliser.

They did have appeals for a spot-kick, though, when Joao Pedro tumbled in the area following a challenge from Noussair Mazraoui. Chelsea's appeals were dismissed by Bankes, and Gallagher has stated it was the correct decision.

"Referees do things by instinct," he said. "Watch the ball change direction, the ball changed direction because he gets it.

"If you see the referee's position, that is what he sees. The referee actually sees the ball change direction, turns and waves it away."

Once more, Bothroyd was in agreement. "If he had given that, it would be a really soft penalty," he said.

"I know what Pedro is doing; he can see there is going to be contact. The attacker is trying to play smart.

"He has slightly touched the ball, I think that's what saves him – the slight touch on it. I think if you are going to give penalties like that, I think that is really soft."

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.