Ten Hag sick of being on wrong end of video nasties

Sabitzer can be leader for Reds, says United chief

- By SAMUEL LUCKHURST

UNITED manager Erik ten Hag criticised the inconsistency of Video Assistant Referees and felt Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew should have been sent off in their 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.

Reds midfielder Casemiro was dismissed after he grabbed Palace midfielder Will Hughes by the throat.

A review by the VAR advised onpitch official Andre Marriner that Casemiro's action was violent conduct and warranted a straight red card.

During the same melee that spilled off the pitch, Ayew appeared to have his hand around the throat of United midfielder Fred but that was not deemed a red card offence.

Ten Hag blamed Jeffrey Schlupp for causing the 66th-minute flashpoint when he shoved Reds winger Antony into the pitchside ditch. The Brazilian retaliated and both players were booked.

Casemiro's expulsion was the first red card for a United player all season and earlier in the week, Ten Hag had expressed dismay over the decision not to penalise Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for elbowing Lisandro Martinez in the reverse fixture last month.