Manchester United have decided not to appeal Casemiro’s red card against Southampton, which will now see him miss the next three league gamesand Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham.
Casemiro was sent off against 20th-place Southampton in the 34th minute on Sunday following a full-blooded challenge on opposition player Carlos Alcaraz.
While he won the challenge fairly in many people’s eyes, the Brazilian took some of the man in the process, as his foot made a connection with the ball first before rolling over the top and clashing with the Saints player’s shin on the follow-through.
However, despite Erik ten Hag, his teammates, fans and plenty of neutrals alike questioning Anthony Taylor’s decision — with calls for him to be sacked even trending on Twitter — it is said the club will not be appealing the card and the 31-year-old will now be out of the squad for the next four English games.
BREAKING: Manchester United will not appeal the red card picked up by Casemiro during Sunday's draw with Southampton. pic.twitter.com/cAiaqkNowz
Casemiro’s red card will see him miss Fulham, Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.
This may come as a surprise to some as even when decisions are more clear-cut, most teams usually launch a somewhat hopeful appeal on the off-chance that it might be overturned.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, the sentiment seems to be that the United feel there was very little chance of it being rescinded, with ten Hag himself having once again called the referees’ consistency into question.
Speaking after the game, the Dutch coach told media he thinks “inconsistency” is the problem; “players don’t know anymore what is the policy. I guess, all across, you see this weekend yesterday Leicester vs Chelsea, VAR is not coming on the line.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Today it is coming on the line and today two penalty situations they don’t come on the line. I think especially [with] the first it is clear and obvious handball. So, what is the policy?”
🗣️ “Inconsistency and players don’t know anymore what the policy is. Casemiro is a really fair player, tough but fair. Over 500 games, never sent off.”
Erik ten Hag says players don’t know the rules anymore because of inconsistent calls from officials in the Premier League. 🟥 pic.twitter.com/uSOmkk01KN
As he went on to note to various reporters, “across European leagues, in over 500 games [Casemiro] had never a red card and now he has twice. He plays tough but he plays fair: also in this [instance] he is playing fair. Same as against Palace, so it is very debatable.
“When you freeze it looks bad, but everyone who knows something about football, who is acting on top football, they know what is bad and what isn’t bad, what is fair.” Fortunately for the Red Devils, the midfielder is still eligible to play in the Europa League.
ADVERTISEMENT
Another aspect that angered United and their supporters on the day was the fact that it was not a confident decision (i.e. an instant red) from Taylor, having first awarded a yellow card before being sent over to the monitor and making his decision based on the clip in isolation and slowed down — the kind of replay which football fans regularly argue warps an official’s perception.
Nevertheless, the referees‘ union seems to be sticking together on the decision with the likes of ex-pro Dermot Gallagher noting that since his studs were up and both feet left the ground as he lunged in for the tackle, Casemiro was deemed to be out of control of his body and risking serious foul play.
Dermot Gallagher says Casemiro's red card was the CORRECT decision by the referee ✅ pic.twitter.com/O53yK2GXnQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2023
As always with these kinds of incidents, aggrieved fans are now sharing clips of other challenges throughout the season where VAR hasn’t intervened when other clearer fouls and card-worthy decisions have occurred.
Included in the statement following the decision, the club shared a video of an interview by Spanish football magazine Panenka with Casemiro from last year, which seemed to give some more context as to why he was so upset following his second red in such an illustrious career.
It’s worth noting that even the fouled player Alvarez got up off the deck to console Casemiro following his second red card in his last three Premier League appearances.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I always try to get to the ball”, said Casemiro, “I always go strong because that is who I am and I like the intensity I play with, but there is no malice. I have never gone with studs to hurt a player”.
This is why Casemiro was in tears when red carded v Southampton.
Playing hard, but fair, is a matter of principle to him and he never tackles with malice. Didn't yesterday.
Zero straight reds in career before coming to the Premier League (and its VAR) pic.twitter.com/ckBgiaBWGW
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
Stockport County owner invests in second European football club
Danny Jones
The owner of Stockport County Football Club has officially invested in his second European team.
Greater Manchester businessman Mark Stott, who is also the founder of their principal sponsors Vita Group, has owned Stockport County since January 2020, helping oversee their rise back into the EFL and now as promotion contenders in League One.
The local entrepreneur behind the Cheshire-based property developers obviously has other investments in his portfolio, and after news of him backing a second side, Stott has shared an update with County supporters to assure them of his continued commitment to the Hatters.
Penning an open letter to the fans, the 53-year-old began by wishing his dedicated matchgoers a happy new year before going on to clarify his plans for both organisations.
Club Statement: Owner Mark Stott has written an open letter to all County supporters.#StockportCounty
“First and foremost, I want to say how proud I am of Stockport County and of everything we have achieved together”, says Stott. “We begin 2026 competing strongly in League One, with a clear long-term plan for the club and the incredible backing you give week in, week out.
“Our progress on the pitch and the stability we have built off it are the result of a genuine collective effort. I never lose sight of the vital role you all play in that success.
“Since becoming the owner of Stockport County in January 2020, my focus has been on the club and its long-term progress. With that in mind, it’s important to me that I update you on other sporting investments by Stott Capital that you may be aware of.”
Citing his big picture project, the Pro Football Academy, as having now become “the largest football coaching business in Europe”, not to mention the F2 sporting social media platform, Stott Capital has now taken its increasing global presence in the industry by investing in Debreceni VSC (DVSC).
Title contenders in Hungary’s top league, Nemzeti Bajnokság (N1), DVSC are based in the nation’s second largest city – not dissimilar to Greater Manchester after London here in the UK.
Seven-time division champions themselves, they are one of the most established sides in the country.
Moreover, Mark has reiterated that, like his work with County, “Hungary has invested significantly in football infrastructure over the past decade”, also vouching not only for DVSC’s rich history already but a “strong talent pipeline.”
It remains unclear just how big a share they now own, but it is reported to be a majority stakeholding; as for their Stopfordian counterparts, could we see Stockport players being loaned out to Hungary and vice versa, as well as pre-season friendlies between the two? Only time will tell.
He goes on to reiterate that Stott Capital’s relationship with DVSC “does not change our plans for Stockport County“, clarifying that “the two clubs will operate entirely independently, and I remain firmly committed to delivering on our ambitions.”
Now six years into the ownership group’s seven-year plan to transform County and get them back into the Championship (a goal they’ve very nearly reached), Stott added that there will be continued funding into the SCFC infrastructure, youth academy, the Edgeley Park stadium and more.
Promising more details this coming summer, he signed off by adding: “Thank you, as always, for your trust, passion, and incredible support. I’m excited about where we can take Stockport County in the years ahead. Mark.”
Danny Jones -
14th March 2023 
