Antoine Semenyo Under Fire as Man United Fans Demand Red Card for Dalot Incident
- Antoine Semenyo came under fire from Manchester United fans after they called for him to be sent off for shoving Diogo Dalot during a heated encounter
- The Black Stars forward ended a two-month goal drought in the match and escaped a red card for the incident involving Dalot
- Social media quickly lit up with United supporters insisting that Semenyo’s aggressive action should have resulted in a dismissal
Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo found himself at the centre of controversy during Bournemouth’s clash with Manchester United on December 15, 2025, after a tense incident involving defender Diogo Dalot.
The 25-year-old forward was involved in a heated exchange that left fans and pundits questioning the referee’s judgment.
Source: Getty Images
The game saw United take the lead early on through Amad Diallo’s 13th-minute goal, but Semenyo responded five minutes before halftime.
Taking a pass from Adam Smith on the right, he charged forward and calmly finished past goalkeeper Senne Lammens to level the score.
Below is Semenyo's goal:
His goal was his first since his brace against Fulham on October 3. Former English international turned pundit Gary Neville called out the United defence for their lukewarm attitude in the build-up to Semenyo's goal.
Semenyo involved in heated clash with Dalot
Just minutes later, Semenyo found himself embroiled in controversy. Semenyo leapt to win an aerial duel, but Dalot mischievously opted not to challenge but to shove the Ghanaian.
According to Mail Sport, the incident did not sit well with Semenyo, who went into beast mode and pushed the Manchester United defender firmly by the neck.
Below is the video:
Such an action typically falls under violent conduct and is punishable by a straight red card. Yet, referee Simon Hooper showed leniency, issuing only a yellow card to both players, according to GOAL.
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This decision stirred immediate backlash. Manchester United supporters, in particular, flooded social media with calls for harsher punishment, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in officiating standards.
Many questioned why Semenyo, who had scored against the Red Devils at Old Trafford last season, escaped a sending off, especially when contrasted with other incidents where similar or lesser fouls have led to dismissals.
Man United fans fume at Semenyo
The incident reignited broader debates over refereeing consistency and the effectiveness of VAR in the Premier League.
Some users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration, citing double standards in how disciplinary actions are enforced.
@qasimirfan16 argued:
"That’s a red card all day long and this is why VAR is clueless and if this was Casemiro they would have sent him off. Inconsistency of VAR every single season."
Others echoed the sentiment, with @IHM223 stating,
"Clear red."
Criticism also targeted the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), accusing them of corruption and bias. @Utdstandchamp wrote:
"With the VAR review, that should have been red card. Corrupt PGMOL as always."
Meanwhile, @GideonOAA pointed out a lack of uniformity:
"VAR called the ref back after about 3 minutes of play to come and look at Casemiro’s offense but they went silent on this one when it was so clear and everyone saw it. Corrupt Refs."
Source: Getty Images
The game itself ended in a pulsating 4-4 draw with both sides sharing the spoils.
Semenyo tipped to replace Salah
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that Antoine Semenyo has been backed by a former Liverpool star as a possible replacement for Mohamed Salah if the Egyptian leaves Anfield.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen highlighted Semenyo’s rapid progress at Bournemouth, saying it shows he is ready to take the next step.
Source: YEN.com.gh
