#3 Refereeing inconsistencies mar the game
Though the game progressed without much incident, one point of concern was referee Jon Moss’ inconsistencies in awarding free-kicks and penalties during the game. Jones’ foul on Niasse in the 11th minute for blocking his run towards goal earned him a booking.
However, a similar challenge in a similar situation on the other side of the pitch by David Meyler on Marcus Rashford did not warrant any further punishment than the award of a free-kick for United. While Marcos Rojo’s tug on the shirt convinced Mr. Moss enough to point to the penalty spot, Tom Huddlestone’s apparent hauling down of Chris Smalling in the second half when he was about to pull the trigger went unpunished when most onlookers felt that should have been a spot-kick and a possible red card for the Hull City midfielder.
A handball seconds later in the Hull penalty area also went unaccounted for. United were clearly incensed that they were not given a penalty for either incident, especially after the Rojo situation in the first half.