Neville backs referee as Tielemans penalty shout dismissed during United's clash with Ipswich

Manchester United’s first-half penalty appeal was waved away by referee Craig Pawson and upheld by VAR during Sunday’s Premier League match against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, with former United defender Gary Neville agreeing with the decision.

The incident occurred in the 43rd minute when Youri Tielemans collected the ball inside the box, attempted to roll past Dara O’Shea, and went to ground after apparent contact from the Ipswich defender. Tielemans was adamant he had been fouled, but Pawson declined to point to the spot and VAR confirmed the call.

Neville, on co-commentary duty, was unequivocal in his assessment. “It was too theatrical, and even if he was touched, there’s just a lot of theatre to the fall,” he said. “What you can see is how it just didn’t look like a penalty to the eye. You can see those arms being thrown forward at the end.”

The penalty shout came with United already trailing. Ipswich had taken a surprise lead in the 29th minute when Abdul Fatawu beat Luke Shaw on the right flank and pulled the ball back for Leif Davis, who struck it home to give the visitors the advantage at Old Trafford.