The first half of Manchester United v Arsenal wasn’t great to say the least, but there’s one incident in particular that had tongues wagging for football fans.
The opening period of ReUnited proved to be the worse reunion since the Backstreet Boys, but Antonio Valencia’s fall in the box on 35 minutes had supporters losing their minds on social media.
Olivier Giroud’s late headed goal cost Man United all three points in the 1-1 draw, and it could have been oh-so different if Valencia’s penalty claim had been awarded .
For the neutral it would have been harsh, although Ryan Giggs in the Sky studio said he would have given it despite feeling the decision would be as “soft” – like his managerial CV then!
Ryan Giggs thinks the Valencia incident WAS a penalty. pic.twitter.com/AVWHEhs5V3
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 19, 2016
All the best bets on football are on PP.com
Of course, fans of both sides saw the incident quite differently!
Man United lovers somehow couldn’t believe Valencia would dive in that position:
@paddypower yet reckon not enuf contact..how much you need #refsacocktoo
— richard beamand (@RBeamand) November 19, 2016
So Darmian gets booked for not touching a player but Monreal can put him arms across Valencia's leg, ok ref #MUFC
— Adam Cloke (@distortiontool) November 19, 2016
Giggs "Monreal puts an arm out, its a penalty"
Souness "What about Valencia forearm smash"
Giggs "Where you want him to put his arm?"
Eh?
— Bergkamp & Bergkamp (@Orangeiceman10) November 19, 2016
Ref gives a foul against pogba for putting his arm across Sanchez but doesn't give a pen for Monreal doing it to Valencia….Cheat#MUFC
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 19, 2016
Is Monreal trying to climb into Valencia's pocket or something it's that clear of a penalty! #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Tzywz1vsgJ
— Manchester United (@ManUtds_News) November 19, 2016
@paddypower either that or he can blame this lads bandana. pic.twitter.com/tGHdeYDImN
— pete mckenzie (@petemck86) November 19, 2016
Of course, Gunners’ supporters felt it was an act of simulation:
It's a complete dive by Valencia. He's realised he's kicked the ball away from the goal and thrown himself over. Cheat.
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) November 19, 2016
How did Valencia's leg buckle when monreal's arm was on his torso ? It's a dive
— Skengis Khan (@Nate_PG) November 19, 2016
If Valencia even attempted to be honest there he would have had a great chance. I'd be seriously embarrassed by that dive #MUFCvAFC
— Jack Mannion (@JackMannion2) November 19, 2016
Valencia should have seen straight red for an embarrassingly bad dive
— Mitch (@MitchElsey) November 19, 2016
Just as predicted … Manu and Valencia showed their class … Why don't they dig a swimming pool for him at Trafford to dive #ManUvsArs
— Soheb Jamil (@sohebjamil) November 19, 2016