Ruben Amorim has expressed strong disapproval of the officiating that permitted Arsenal's decisive strike during their Premier League encounter at Old Trafford this afternoon.
The Portuguese manager contends that Riccardo Calafiori's 13th-minute winner should have been ruled out due to interference with Manchester United's goalkeeper.
The controversy centres on William Saliba's actions during a corner kick, which Amorim maintains constituted a blatant infringement that went unpunished.
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Ruben Amorim was not happy with the way Arsenal's goal was awarded
|PA
Arsenal's narrow victory was secured through this disputed goal, leaving the United boss frustrated with what he perceives as a failure to protect his goalkeeper from illegal obstruction during the set-piece situation.
The incident unfolded when Declan Rice delivered an inswinging corner in the 13th minute.
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As the ball curved towards goal, Saliba positioned himself against Altay Bayindir, reversing into the Turkish keeper.
This contact disrupted Bayindir's attempt to clear the danger, causing him to mishandle the ball.
His unsuccessful punch merely diverted it towards the goal line, where Calafiori was positioned to tap home from minimal distance.
The goalkeeper's protests about being impeded went unheeded by match officials.
Bayindir later told his captain that he felt contact at the crucial moment he attempted to punch the ball clear.
Amorim was unequivocal in his assessment of the incident. "I think it's clear," the manager stated.
"Players are touching the goalkeeper without the idea of going for the ball. That is not allowed.
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Arsenal beat United 1-0 through Riccado Calafiori's controversial header
|Reuters
"It's protecting the attacking guy and saying that we want more goals. But when you are touching the goalkeeper in that way, I think it's hard."
His comments reflect a broader concern about goalkeeper protection during set-pieces. The Portuguese tactician clearly believes the officials failed to apply the laws correctly in this instance.
Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that Premier League officials assured clubs before the season that referees would penalise players who block opponents at set-pieces whilst ignoring the ball.
The United captain expressed scepticism about these assurances being implemented consistently.
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"But we know they are just saying that," Fernandes remarked, highlighting the disconnect between pre-season promises and match-day reality.
He confirmed that Bayindir had complained about being touched at the precise moment he attempted to punch the ball.
The Portuguese midfielder's comments underscore a growing frustration at Old Trafford.
"Altay was saying the moment he goes to punch the ball, he gets a touch. But obviously we know in the Premier League, they don't give much in those type of situations," Fernandes observed.