Premier League issue explanation on red card as Man Utd star 'endangered' (2025)

Brazilian forward Evanilson was sent off during the second-half of Bournemouth's home game with Manchester United on Sunday afternoon with many fans slamming the decision

The Premier League have claimed that Evanilson 'endangered' Noussair Mazraoui with the challenge that saw him sent off against Manchester United. The Brazilian was sent off in the 67th minute of his side's Premier League clash with the Red Devils on Sunday for a clumsy challenge - albeit it appeared that he had slipped.

He had initially been booked by referee Peter Bankes but following a review, the official changed his mind and brandished a red card instead. A statement have now explained the decision. It read: "VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card for the challenge by Evanilson on Mazraoui – with the challenge deemed to be two-footed with both feet off the ground, endangering the safety of the opponent. Upon review, the referee issued a red card to Evanilson for serious foul play."

Fans were left baffled by the decision, as were a host of pundits. Alan Smith said on Sky Sports : "I'm a bit dumfounded by that one. I know it ends up being a dangerous challenge but it's a total accident. If you do slip in that fashion, you can't help it."

Meanwhile, ex-Southampton man Francis Benali said: "There is a couple of points of contact. I don't think it's intentional."

The sending off was the second moment of controversy at the Vitality Stadium. Tyler Adams appeared to escape his own red for a crunching challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.

A statement earlier in the game read: "The referee’s call of yellow card for the challenge by Adams on Garnacho was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed reckless and not serious foul play."

Antoine Semenyo had given Bournemouth the lead in the first half with a clinical finish, Evanilson the provider. The 25-year-old's dismissal against United was just the second of his career having previously been sent off for former club Porto.

Was Evanilson right sent off vs Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below

He joined Bournemouth for just over £40m last summer and has scored nine goals across his debut campaign on the South Coast. He will now be missing got some key games as the Cherries attempt to seal a European spot under Andoni Iraola with the automatic ban for serious foul play carrying a three-match ban.

Bournemouth face Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City in what is a very tricky run-in ahead of taking on Leicester in their final match of the campaign.

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