Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey believes Manchester United’s goal in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage should have been disallowed, insisting Leny Yoro committed a foul against him in the build up, Footynaija.com reports.
A closely contested Premier League matchday two fixture saw Manchester United take the lead in the 58th minute after Yoro’s header ricocheted off Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz and ended up in the back of the net. Fulham managed to find an equalizer just over 15 minutes later through super-sub Emile Smith-Rowe, who scored two minutes after his introduction.
Bassey enjoyed a great game overall but found himself at the center of controversy during the game. In the build up to United’s goal, he appeared to have been prevented from contesting for the cross by a push from Yoro. The referee let that goal stand despite protests and after the game Bassey voiced his disagreement with the referee’s decision.
“It’s a foul. He pushed me to stop me from getting to the ball. When the ref looks back on it, he will be disappointed. I can’t say too much before I get a fine!” the former Rangers defender said to Sky Sports.
“But come on, it’s a foul. When you’ve got to jump, any little touch can put you off. He [Yoro] has got two hands [on my back]. How much worse do you need? On another day, it goes in our favour. It’s enough for me not to win the ball and it’s an advantage for him, so it should have been given.”
Bassey was also penalized in the first half for rough-handling United’s Mason Mount inside the penalty area but fortunately for the Cottagers, Bruno Fernandes blasted his effort from six yards well over the cross-bar.