Premier League releases VAR transcript on Bassey handball

The Premier League has published the VAR audio from the incident where Calvin Bassey's handball against Manchester United was not given as a penalty, a decision that left United manager Michael Carrick frustrated.

The Premier League has released the official VAR transcript from the controversial handball incident involving Calvin Bassey in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The audio confirms the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld after a review, a call that frustrated the visiting side.

Fulham secured a valuable point in that match at Craven Cottage on 20 September, a result that leaves them 19th in the Premier League table with two points from their opening five fixtures. The club's recent form reads DWDLL, with the draw against United followed by a win over West Ham and a stalemate with Liverpool.

VAR audio released

The league's Match Centre uploaded the transcript to its social media page. In it, the assistant referee is heard saying, "It's close to his body, it has hit but his arm is close to his body." The VAR official then states, "Arms close to his body. As seen, confirming the on-field decision to play on, exactly as described on-field."

This supported referee Craig Pawson's initial call, which came after Lisandro Martínez's attempted chip struck Bassey's arm inside the area. United's players appealed strongly, but the video review did not overturn the decision.

Neville's analysis

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville analysed the moment after the game. "It's strange for a defender to put their hands up, because they know the referee will have to make a decision," Neville said. "Bassey is asking for trouble."

He also acknowledged the broader context of the match. "United did not deserve to win the game, but such moments often can change the trajectory of a club's season," Neville added.

Fulham's resilience earned them a point, with the own goal from Martínez putting them ahead before Matheus Cunha's late equaliser. Marco Silva's side were also without the injured Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney for the contest.

The team now looks ahead to their next challenge, an away trip to face 11th-placed Ipswich Town on 10 October. Fans can check the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page and review the current standings.

More detail at sports.yahoo.com