Casemiro produces horrific challenge on Manuel Akanji, doesn't even get a yellow card

Fans think Casemiro was lucky to avoid a third red card after a horrific challenge in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

City went 1-0 up with the fastest FA Cup final goal in history when Ilkay Gundogan stunned Wembley with an outrageous volley just 13 seconds into the showpiece.

The Premier League champions immediately stamped their authority on the game but there was a moment of controversy not too long after when Casemiro left Manuel Akanji on the turf.

The Brazilian committed himself when the Swiss international came striding out in the 11th minute but caught Akanji badly with a reckless tackle on his ankle.

Somehow Casemiro was also rolling around the floor and he won the free-kick awarded by Paul Tierney.

Replays showed just how dangerous the challenge was but the former Real Madrid man did not even receive a yellow card and a VAR check did not recommend a dismissal.

On commentary, Jermaine Jenas says it was "nasty" from Casemiro and that his action was deliberate.

"It's nasty from Casemiro... he knows what he's doing."

Free-kick only. #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/W6rQzRNbjH

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 3, 2023

And plenty shared the view, wondering how Casemiro didn't make it a hat-trick of red cards in a United shirt.

One fan wrote: "Also, how on earth is this not a red? Disgusting, could have snapped his leg."

A second commented: "How was that not a red."

A third concurred: "Can't understand how this isn’t a red, especially with VAR."

Another added: "Seen red cards handed out all season for tackles like this yet the officials bottle it even after a VAR check cause it’s too early in a cup final!"

A fifth asked the question: "How do you look at this and decide it’s not a red card?"

More controversy would arrive though as United levelled through a Bruno Fernandes penalty given for a handball from Jack Grealish.

Handball by Jack Grealish!!

What do you think of that call?#FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/E3TzedOjKI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 3, 2023

The general consensus was that Grealish could not have done anything about it but Tierney looked at the VAR screen and promptly pointed to the spot.

The England international was furious with the decision and protested to the ref.