Calvin Bassey was adamant that he was fouled for Manchester United’s opening goal in the Fulham’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils at Craven Cottage.
The Nigerian international felt aggrieved that goal stood after he was pushed in the back by Lenny Yoro as he looked to get off the ground and try to clear Bryan Mbuemo’s corner. Bassey told Sky Sports after the game:
“It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball and it is an advantage to him. It should have been disallowed. When the referee looks back at I think they will be disappointed. I cannot say too much, otherwise I will get a fine! It is a foul. When you go up to a jump, any little touch can put you off. What do you want me to do? Jump on the floor. It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball.”
Bassey was doubly disappointed because he felt the penalty – awarded in the first half against for a foul on Mason Mount by referee Chris Kavanagh after a VAR review – was particularly harsh.
“I think it is harsh. I understand why it is given. Where my foot is, I am trying to stay strong. I have sort of pulled him over my foot. Referees have got to protect us as well. I am strong. If it is someone stronger, it doesn’t look as bad. You have seen it given, and you have not seen it. Everything looks worse in slo-mo. Something to learn for me and all the boys – to be a bit more streetwise.”
On Bruno Fernandes’ miss, the centre back added:#
“I say it is justice. I didn’t think it was a pen, and then he missed it, so sort of a let off.”
Bassey felt Fulham were rewarded for a battling performance with Emile Smith Rowe equalising only moments after coming off the bench.
“Especially the second half we pushed … [we] could have deserved more. We had some good moments. We did well to get back into the game. Of course, they have missed a penalty as well.
