Chris Kavanagh has been appointed as the referee for the upcoming Premier League match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace. His selection comes after a controversial performance in a recent FA Cup match.
Referee’s Controversial FA Cup Performance
In the FA Cup fourth-round clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United, Kavanagh faced strong criticism. His handling of the match involved multiple questionable decisions. One notable incident occurred when he allowed a goal by Tammy Abraham despite an offside offense in the buildup.
Pivotal Decisions During the Match
- Marco Bizot received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
- Kavanagh failed to penalize Luca Digne for a dangerous tackle on Jacob Murphy.
- A clear handball inside the penalty area went unrecognized, leading to a free-kick instead.
Following the match, Kavanagh and his assistant, Nick Greenhalgh, were sidelined, resulting in a brief break from officiating duties.
Upcoming Match Details
Kavanagh is set to officiate the Manchester United versus Crystal Palace game on Sunday. He will be supported by linesmen Dan Cook and Ian Hussin, with Sam Barrott as the fourth official. VAR duties will be led by Tony Harrington and assisted by Neil Davies.
Manchester United’s Recent Form
Entering the match, Manchester United is looking to build on their recent victory over Everton, aiming to secure their first double of the season. In their previous encounter, United triumphed over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park with a score aided by goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount.
Injury Updates
Injuries continue to affect Manchester United’s lineup. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are both sidelined. De Ligt’s injury has kept him out for several months, while Martinez’s calf issue may not keep him out for long.
As the Premier League moves into game week 28, Kavanagh’s appointment is a significant topic following his recent controversial outing. Fans will be watching closely to see if his performance at Old Trafford earns a different response from the football community.
