Fulham star, Calvin Bassey, has voiced his frustration over Manchester United’s controversial opener in Fulham’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, insisting the goal should have been chalked off.
United took the lead in the 58th minute when Leny Yoro’s header deflected in off Rodrigo Muniz for an own goal.
But Fulham players immediately surrounded referee Chris Kavanagh, arguing that Yoro had shoved Bassey in the back to win the aerial duel. Their appeals were dismissed, and the goal stood.
Fulham later grabbed a deserved equaliser through Emile Smith Rowe, who struck with his very first touch after coming off the bench, latching onto Alex Iwobi’s clever pass to preserve the London side’s unbeaten start to the season.
Speaking afterwards, Bassey was adamant the opener should have been ruled out.
“It’s exactly the same,” the defender told Sky Sports, referencing a first-half foul he conceded against Mason Mount which led to a penalty. “He pushed me to stop me getting to the ball. When the referee watches it back, I think he’ll be disappointed. I can’t say too much or I’ll get fined—but it’s a foul. Two hands on my back, enough to stop me winning it. That should be given.”
On the penalty decision that went against him, Bassey felt hard done by but accepted the referee’s reasoning.
“I still think it’s harsh. I’m just trying to hold my ground, and he goes over my foot. Because I’m strong, it looks worse than it is. If it’s against someone else, maybe it doesn’t even look like a foul,” he explained.
Fortunately for Fulham, Bruno Fernandes blasted the resulting spot-kick wide, sparing Bassey’s blushes.
“Justice,” he smiled. “I didn’t think it was a penalty in the first place. When he missed, it was a relief.”