By Gray Whitebloom
Casemiro’s impact during his debut season at Manchester United has been widely, and rightly so, heralded.
Everything from his work ethic to his shrewd fouls, his tactical acumen to his tackling artistry and even the way he embraces fans has been the subject of lyrical hagiography since arriving at Old Trafford.
However, the Brazilian provided a rare negative to his stay at Manchester United on Sunday with a straight red card against Southampton. Chasing the ball in the first half, Casemiro dove into a 50-50 tackle with Carlos Alcaraz.
Initially shown a yellow card, a review by VAR prompted referee Anthony Taylor to improve the free-kick and send casemir for a bath soon. She didn’t take it well.
Unsurprisingly, a large number of United’s online fans weren’t particularly enamored with the decision either. Many immediately pointed out that Casemiro’s lunge hit the ball first. Oddly, they failed to point out that the midfielder’s studs soon found their way into the Alcaraz leg.
Other spectators highlighted Taylor’s refereeing inconsistencies during the same match, with more spectators pointing out that United were denied a first-half penalty when Marcus RashfordArmel’s cross appeared to hit Armel Bella-Kotchap’s outstretched arm.
While fans dispute TaylorCasemiro’s decision making is nothing new, Casemiro hasn’t received his marching orders very often during a trophy-laden career.
Indeed, in 336 appearances for Real Madrid, Casemiro has received just two red cards, both following a second bookable booking. Yet in 37 games for United, the Brazilian has received back-to-back reds, in very quick succession.
Manchester United players are not often found in the referee’s notebook. In 2019, Luke Shaw became the first United player since Steve Bruce in 1995 to receive more than ten Premier League yellow cards. Casemiro followed in the footsteps of another revered United centre-back with his second red card of the season.
Some forward-thinking publications were quick to point out that Casemiro would not just miss the final hour of United’s meeting with Southampton.
Casemiro briefly lost his mind at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon but has not lost the support of an adoring crowd who have not forgotten his heroics for the rest of the season.
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Twitter reacts to Casemiro’s red card in Man Utd vs Southampton.
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