Mark Clattenburg says Dan Burn was ‘very lucky’ to avoid punishment vs Man Utd after reckless incident

Manchester United’s narrow 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park was filled with drama, controversy, and several refereeing decisions that quickly became the main talking point after the match.

The game itself remained tightly contested for much of the opening period, but everything erupted during the closing moments of the first half. Within a chaotic spell of stoppage time, the match swung wildly from one major incident to another.

Jacob Ramsey was shown a red card for simulation, Bruno Fernandes conceded a penalty that was confidently converted by Anthony Gordon, and moments later Casemiro found the net to level the score for United.

With so much happening in such a short space of time, referee Peter Bankes found himself at the centre of the storm. His decisions were heavily scrutinised throughout the match, and the tension from the stands was evident when Newcastle supporters loudly booed him at the final whistle.

However, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, another significant incident earlier in the game may have been overlooked.

Burn’s clash with Shaw raises questions

The moment in question occurred earlier in the first half when both teams still had a full complement of players and the game was finely balanced. During a physical duel inside the penalty area, Luke Shaw went down clutching his face, claiming he had been struck by Dan Burn.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, but officials ultimately decided that no further action was necessary, allowing play to continue.

Speaking about the situation afterward, Clattenburg suggested the Newcastle defender had been fortunate to avoid punishment. In his view, the contact made with Shaw’s face should have resulted in at least a caution.

Clattenburg explained that while Burn appeared to be attempting to free himself from Shaw’s grip while keeping his eyes on the ball, his arm still made contact with Shaw’s face during the challenge. Because there was no clear intent or excessive force, Clattenburg felt the action did not reach the threshold for a red card. However, he argued that the use of the arm in that manner was reckless and should have been penalised with a yellow card.

Calls for harsher punishment

Not everyone agreed with that assessment. During the live broadcast commentary, former Manchester United defender David May believed the challenge was serious enough to justify a sending-off.

May insisted that Burn clearly struck Shaw with his elbow and felt the incident warranted a straight red card rather than simply a booking.

Journalist Adam Crafton also voiced confusion about the decision, writing on social media that it was difficult to understand how Burn had avoided being dismissed for the elbow.

Newcastle escape further punishment

Ironically, much of the frustration from the home crowd during the match centred on the red card shown to Ramsey. Many connected with Newcastle United felt the decision was harsh and significantly changed the flow of the game.

Yet, in hindsight, the Magpies may feel relieved that the Burn incident did not result in another sending-off. Had the referee or VAR interpreted the moment differently, Newcastle could have been forced to play a large portion of the match with nine men.

In a match already packed with controversial calls, shifting momentum and late drama, the debate surrounding the officiating is likely to continue long after the final whistle at St James’ Park.