Gary Lineker has voiced sharp criticism regarding the communication of VAR decisions to stadium spectators following Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. The former England striker expressed complete bewilderment about the penalty award process during the match.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker described his confusion when witnessing the VAR penalty check unfold in real time. The incident occurred during a corner kick situation involving Calvin Bassey's challenge on Mason Mount inside the penalty area.
Lineker admitted he was entirely uncertain which team would benefit from the spot-kick decision, highlighting the inadequate information provided to supporters attending the fixture.
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"You know, going to the game, we're watching the game, there's a corner and then the ball's cleared, the ball goes up to the other end of the pitch and Fulham's on the attack," Lineker explained.
Gary Lineker, 64, demands football rule change after 'awful experience' at Premier League matchHe continued: "Then suddenly the ref stops and you're thinking, 'What's going on here?' Now, I know the experience is probably different at home, but if you're in the ground, Oh my. Then you look at, you see a sign saying VAR penalty check. And I was honestly sitting there and I said 'For which team, who to?'"
Lineker also described the situation as "such an awful experience for fans."
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Bruno Fernandes squandered the penalty opportunity, sending his effort well over the crossbar from 12 yards. Neither team managed to find the net during the opening period of the encounter.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 58th minute when Leny Yoro's deflected header appeared to give United the lead. However, the goal was subsequently attributed to Rodrigo Muniz as an own goal.
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The Manchester United midfielder sailed his shot over the bar | REUTERSFulham restored parity just 15 minutes later through substitute Emile Smith Rowe, who equalised in the 73rd minute shortly after his introduction to the match.
Despite both sides pushing for a winning goal in the closing stages, the fixture concluded 1-1, earning United their first point of the 2025/26 campaign.
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United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged his team's shortcomings in converting opportunities whilst addressing supporters' concerns about the club's winless start to the season. The Portuguese coach told MUTV that he doesn't experience the same "urgency" that fans might feel regarding results.
"In this moment, we need to think about the performance. Of course I'm not crazy, I know what the feeling is of the players that play in the team that they have to win every match," Amorim stated.
Ruben Amorim defended his captain after he missed a potential game wining penalty | REUTERSHe identified a concerning pattern where his side becomes overly defensive after taking the lead.
"We missed the penalty, we missed some chances and then we score and I have the feeling that now we have to defend this goal," he explained.