A former Manchester United star has strongly criticized FIFA and the Football Association (FA), accusing them of applying double standards following the three-match suspension of defender Patrick Dorgu. He believes the punishment is excessively severe and highlights fundamental flaws in football’s disciplinary system, which, in his view, lacks consistency and fairness.
The controversy arose during Manchester United’s recent 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. During the first half, Dorgu was involved in a misunderstanding with goalkeeper Andre Onana, which led to an early goal for Ipswich. Shortly after that incident, the young Danish defender received a straight red card for a strong challenge on Omari Hutchinson.
The referee, Darren England, initially allowed play to continue but later changed his decision after reviewing the footage through VAR. Upon further examination, the challenge was deemed serious foul play, resulting in Dorgu’s dismissal.
Following the match, the former United player expressed his frustration over the decision, arguing that while Dorgu’s tackle was firm, it did not deserve such harsh punishment. He criticized the FA for what he sees as biased decision-making, pointing out that other, more dangerous tackles have gone unpunished or received significantly lighter sanctions. In his opinion, one of the biggest issues in football today is the inconsistency in officiating, as similar incidents often result in vastly different outcomes depending on the referees and governing bodies involved.
Dorgu’s suspension has come at a challenging time for Manchester United, as he will be forced to miss key upcoming matches, including the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Fulham and crucial Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Leicester City. His absence leaves manager Rúben Amorim with limited defensive options at a time when squad depth is essential. Amorim acknowledged that the tackle was aggressive but defended his player, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent behind the challenge.
The decision has reignited debates over football’s disciplinary system, with many voices within the football community calling for greater consistency and transparency in officiating. Critics argue that the lack of uniformity in punishment creates frustration among players, managers, and fans, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with the way football’s authorities handle discipline.
This incident adds to the ongoing discussions about VAR’s role in modern football. While the technology was introduced to ensure greater accuracy in refereeing decisions, it has often sparked controversy due to inconsistent interpretations of fouls and red-card offenses. Many believe that subjective rulings continue to influence the game despite the use of video reviews.
For Manchester United, Dorgu’s absence could have a significant impact as they push for success in multiple competitions. With key fixtures on the horizon, Amorim will need to find solutions to compensate for his missing defender. Meanwhile, the criticism of FIFA and the FA is likely to continue as calls for fairer and more transparent officiating grow louder within the football world.
