Why Manchester United were denied a late penalty against Fulham

The Premier League has explained why Manchester United were not awarded a penalty after the ball struck Calvin Bassey’s arm during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

The incident came in the 86th minute, when Lisandro Martinez played the ball towards the Fulham defender. Replays showed clear contact with Bassey’s hand, but referee Peter Banks allowed play to continue.

Manchester United were trailing by one goal at the time and were trying to rescue a point. According to The Sun, Banks’ decision was supported by the other match officials.

The Premier League Match Centre later published the reasoning behind the decision on X, along with the conversation between Banks, assistant referee Dan Cook and video assistant referee Nick Hopton.

The statement said: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR.”

Cook said after the ball hit Bassey: “It’s close to his body – it has hit but his arm is close to his body.”

Banks replied: “On-field decision is play on.”

Hopton then added: “Arms are close to his body. As shown – confirming the on-field decision of play on, exactly as described on the field.”

United had appeared set for a disappointing afternoon after falling behind shortly after the hour mark. Martinez was involved in an own goal into the Manchester United goal, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens also considered equally responsible for the mistake.

The frustration among the home supporters increased when their appeals for a penalty following Bassey’s handball were dismissed. United did, however, avoid defeat by scoring an equaliser in the 89th minute.

The Premier League Match Centre’s post, dated 20 September 2026, identified the incident as taking place in the 86th minute of the match between Fulham and Manchester United and confirmed that VAR had reviewed and upheld the on-field decision.