As I listened to a certain pundit say last week, it’s okay to take a penalty if you’re Bruno Fernandes, but not if you’re Diogo Jota.
The Manchester United captain collapsed heavily on the pitch after being tackled by Wigan’s Liam Shaw during the Red Devils’ 2-0 FA Cup win on Monday night.
The incident comes a week after his Portuguese team-mate was tackled by Martin Dubravka ahead of Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat by Newcastle at Anfield.
Both players found themselves in a similar situation, with one player casually cutting into the penalty area and a slightly melodramatic strike on the deck. It was an easy penalty, but the right decision was still made. Both were called by the same referee, Anthony Taylor.
However, the difference in reaction between the two incidents cruelly exposes the double standard of the British media. As a pundit on ITV Sport last night, Ian Wright was adamant that Fernandes’ penalty was justified, while Roy Keane described it as a “smart play” by the United captain.
Interestingly, when Jota was caught by Dubravka a week ago, Pastor Wright slammed the Liverpool forward on social media and he wasn’t the only one to attack the 27-year-old.
It’s better to take a penalty kick than to kick the ball into an empty net! I’ve seen it all!— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 1, 2024
Two similar stories, but two very contrasting reactions. We’re not calling for a witch hunt against Fernandes, instead saying United’s players “look smart” if they win penalties, but echoing Jota’s criticism of Liverpool doing so.
