Reason why it was never a Red card or 3 match ban for Antoine Semenyo

Debate Erupts Over Semenyo VAR Call as Clattenburg and Pundits Defend Decision
A fresh VAR controversy has ignited debate across English football following the decision not to send off Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, with former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg and several ex-Liverpool players turned pundits backing the officials’ judgement.

Speaking in the aftermath of the incident, Clattenburg explained that the on-field contact was assessed as “slight and brief”, falling short of the threshold required for violent conduct. According to the former referee, the action did not constitute a substantial grab or a throat choke — the key criteria needed to justify a straight red card under current laws.

Several pundits echoed that assessment, insisting the referee and VAR were correct not to intervene further. They argued that while the contact looked untidy in real time, slow-motion replays exaggerated the severity, and intent could not be clearly established.

However, the decision has divided fans, particularly on social media, where accusations of inconsistency quickly surfaced. Some supporters claimed that had the incident involved a high-profile Manchester United player such as Casemiro, the interpretation would have been far harsher and a red card issued without hesitation.

The debate once again highlights ongoing frustrations around VAR’s application, with critics questioning whether similar incidents are judged equally across teams and players. While officials continue to stress that each decision is assessed on its own merits, the Semenyo incident has become another flashpoint in the wider conversation about consistency, thresholds, and trust in modern refereeing.
As the Premier League season rolls on, scrutiny of VAR decisions shows no sign of easing — and neither does the passion of supporters demanding clearer, fairer outcomes.