Premier League release statement as Man Utd are denied penalty after Ruben Dias’ challenge on Rasmus Hojlund
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Sponsored by. THE Premier League addressed Manchester United's appeal for a penalty during the derby with arch rivals Manchester City. United ace Rasmus Hojlund went down inside the box during a challenge with City star Ruben Dias, who appeared to put his leg in front of the striker on 64 minutes at the Etihad.
![[Man Utd's Rasmus Hojlund went down during a challenge by Man City's Ruben Dias inside the area]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000957699236.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
However, referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and a VAR check agreed with him while the game was 1-0 in favour of the Citizens after Josko Gvardiol's opener on 36 minutes. And the Prem released a statement also backing Taylor as they deemed there was "normal contact" between Dias and Hojlund.
![[The Premier League claimed there was 'normal contact']](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NINTCHDBPICT000957699233.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The statement read: "The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge between Hojlund and Dias was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming it was normal contact.". That led to a furious reaction from United fans who stormed social media during the game with Man City.
One supporter tweeted: "Someone explain to me why that isn't a penalty...?. Another commented: "Normal contact in the box WTF.". A third wrote: "Normal contact is wrapping your leg around someone’s waist now.". Another fan said: "What does normal contact mean?? He tripped him.".
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. While one stated: "Cool. So defender can take out attacker without getting near the ball.". However, that controversial call didn't cost Man Utd as they managed to turn the game around in a dramatic comeback and win the Manchester derby with a score of 2-1.
