‘Statement was absolute nonsense’ - Ex-EPL referee slams explanation for not sending off Brentford player

Collins received only a yellow card after pulling back Bryan Mbeumo inside the penalty area, despite being the last defender. 

Referee Craig Pawson's on-field decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR, allowing Brentford to continue with eleven players.

Bruno Fernandes subsequently missed the penalty and Halsey believes the official reasoning only added insult to injury for United.

During the game, the Premier League Match Centre later clarified the decision on social media, stating: "The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, with Collins deemed to have pulled Mbeumo back. 

“VAR also checked the referee’s call of a yellow card to Collins and deemed that Mbeumo wasn’t in control of the ball. The statement from the Match Centre said that Mbeumo did not have control of the ball." 

Halsey, during his interview, said, as reported by the Sun, "It doesn’t say in law about having the ball under control. It’s about the likelihood of keeping control of the ball. 

“In my opinion, the Match Centre statement was absolute nonsense and it was a clear, clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity. 

“Manchester United will be very disappointed with that decision. A red card should have been shown to the Brentford player."

The defeat leaves Manchester United in 14th place, just one position above their 15th-place finish last season.