Former Sunderland and
Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent described VAR as 'embarrassing' following the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the second half of Manchester United's 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday. After Aleksandar Mitrovic had given the Cottagers a fully deserved 50th-minute lead, United were offered a route back into the contest with just under 20 minutes of normal time left on the clock. Jadon Sancho, after rounding goalkeeper Bernd Leno, saw a goal-bound effort blocked on the line by Willian, with the Brazilian using his arm to block what looked like being a certain goal. Referee Chris Kavanagh, following a VAR intervention and a quick look at the pitchside monitor, made the decision to send the winger for an early bath. That resulted in Mitrovic losing control of his senses, elbowing Kavanagh while protesting about the decision and being shown a red card himself. Cottagers boss Marco Silva was also dismissed for his
protests. READ MORE: Marco Silva slams referee following United defeat Mitrovic could have no complaints about being shown a red card for his decision to elbow Kavanagh and get right up in his face. He had to be dragged away by teammates and members of the Fulham coaching staff. However, former Spurs striker Bent was unimpressed by the lack of consistency shown by the officials, pointing to a recent event that happened during United's 7-0 defeat to
Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month. As the Reds capitulated during the second half, stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes escaped punishment for giving one of the linesmen a bit of a shove. Fernandes was cleared of any wrong doing and escaped further punishment from the
Football Association. Bent tweeted: "Bruno gets nothing for pushing a linesman but Mitrovic gets a straight red for bumping the ref, inconsistent VAR. Embarrassing." Former
Premier League official Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports Ref Watch, gave his verdict on why the two incidents should not be treated the same. "I don't condone what Fernandes does, it is not wise to touch a match official," he said. "But I don't think that is violent or aggressive, I think it is petulant. He could easily have got a yellow card and people would accept it. I still don't think it is a red card offence but yesterday's (Mitrovic) is. "I think they are two different divorced situations. Neither player should have done what he did but one player (Mitrovic) has gone far, far, too far." It remains to be seen if Mitrovic will be hit with a lengthy ban for his actions. He crossed the line and allowed his emotions to get the better of him. Fulham chief Silva, speaking after the game, said: "I didn't see in a so, so bad way. He pushed the referee and Mitro should control his emotions. I saw the image and I will speak with him. "But I hope the people who are going to decide do so with fairness that the moment deserves." READ NEXT: All the latest United news, views and transfer updates Antonio Conte has finally proven United legend Gary Neville right Brighton boss issues warning ahead of FA Cup clash with United Fulham star gave United an obvious transfer reminder United player ratings vs Fulham as Reds fight back