VAR official ‘must be sacked’ over unpunished Man Utd tackle that was ‘worst in years’

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has fumed Stuart Attwell must be sacked after VAR failed to pick up on Marcel Sabitzer’s horror challenge on Sunday afternoon.

Sabitzer was lucky to escape a red card when he clattered into Wout Faes with his studs up in the first half of Manchester United’s clash with Leicester. Crooks fumed: “Premier League referee Stuart Attwell should be relieved of his duties.

“He allowed Manchester United’s Marcel Sabitzer to remain on the pitch after the worst tackle I have seen in years and without so much as a caution.

“What made matters worse, Attwell then booked Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy, having made not one, but two, perfectly legitimate tackles.

“Of course, it is the referee’s opinion that ultimately matters, but if a top-class official cannot distinguish between a ‘career-threatening tackle’ and two perfectly legitimate challenges, then that referee has no business officiating in the top league in the world.

“Top professional players deserve referees who know the difference between a good and a very bad tackle.”

Christian Norgaard was in an offside position, and the decision could have huge ramifications in the title race. PGMOL confirmed Mason had left in a statement: “PGMOL can confirm that Video Assistant Referee Lee Mason has departed the organisation by mutual consent.

“We would like to thank Lee for his dedicated service to the professional game and wish him all the best for the future.”