Gary Neville gave his verdict on Antoine Semenyo’s challenge on Diogo Dalot during Manchester United’s clash with Bournemouth as both players came away with yellow cards
Gary Neville has revealed why the “right decision” was made not to have Antoine Semenyo sent off during Manchester United’s dramatic draw with Bournemouth. United hosted the Cherries at Old Trafford in the Premier League as they sought to maintain their winning streak, but were forced to settle for a point in a hugely entertaining 4-4 draw.
The Red Devils opened the scoring against the visitors through Amad Diallo’s close-range header in the opening period, before Semenyo levelled matters for Bournemouth. Shortly after the Ghana international found the net for the Cherries, an incident involving Semenyo sparked discussion over a potential red card.
Diogo Dalot and Semenyo contested an aerial duel, resulting in the Bournemouth forward hitting the deck. Semenyo then confronted Dalot and seemed to make contact with the United full-back’s neck area using his hand, prompting referee Simon Hooper to step in and calm the situation.
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Hooper subsequently brandished yellow cards to both Dalot and Semenyo, with Neville – who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports – explaining why it represented a “massive risk” from the Bournemouth player. “It looked like he’s [Semenyo] giving him [Dalot] a clip in the face, but maybe it’s lower. It’s certainly a massive risk,” said Neville.
“I can see why Semenyo’s snapped. Dalot bumped him while he’s in the air – it’s a bit naughty.
“He’s [Semenyo] gone for his [Dalot] neck but he just pulled back. Two yellow cards [one for each player] is the right decision.”
United managed to regain the lead in extra time, courtesy of a Casemiro header from a corner kick, before Evanlison levelled the score for Bournemouth early in the second half and Marcus Tavernier put the visitors ahead with a free-kick. Bruno Fernandes then equalised for United with a free-kick off his own midway through the second half, with Matheus Cunha putting the home side in front a couple of minutes later as the drama continued at Old Trafford.
There were to be more goals as Eli Junior Kroupi equalised for Bournemouth in the final 10 minutes of the game, with neither side able to find a winner in the closing moments. United finished the game in sixth place in the Premier League table and will now prepare to face Aston Villa away from home at the weekend in their next fixture.
Amorim told BBC Sport at full-time: “It’s really disappointing. We are really disappointed. Crazy game. It might look like we lost the two points in the second half but I think we lost them in the first half.
“We dominated and created so many chances. We had to go to half-time with a different result.
“In the end we deserved more. It was a fun game for eveyone at home.
“People especially at Old Trafford want to win but they want to be inspired to see a team play good football. We did that well in certain moments.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
