Manchester United decide against appealing star midfielder's red card in 0-0 draw against Southampton

After Casemiro was dismissed during Sunday's 0-0 draw with Southampton, Manchester United decided not to appeal the midfielder's punishment. Following a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor upgraded Casemiro's original yellow card for his challenge on Carlos Alcaraz to a red one, which resulted in his dismissal in the 34th minute.

Since it was the midfielder's second red card of the season and United decided against appealing to the Premier League, he will now serve a four-match suspension in upcoming domestic games against Fulham, Newcastle, Brentford, and Everton.

Casemiro's suspension is only valid for domestic games

United chose not to file an appeal because they didn't think there was a compelling enough argument for overturning the ruling. The Brazilian midfielder will still be available for the second leg against Real Betis in Thursday's Europa League round of 16. After the scoreless tie on Sunday, Erik ten Hag was questioned about Casemiro's dismissal, and he expressed his anger.

"It is inconsistent. The referees are coming at the start of the season with a policy: we are the Premier League, we want intensity and Casemiro, across European games, over 500, he never had a red card, but now, twice. He plays tough, but he's fair. Same as against Crystal Palace, so it's very debatable. When you freeze it , it looks bad. Everyone who knows something about football knows what is bad and what is fair, and Casemiro is a fair player. Tough but fair, and it shows over 500 games in big leagues, and he was never sent off. He's disappointed," United boss Erik ten Hag said after the game.

Manchester United are placed third in the Premier League points table with 50 points from 26 games. They trail local rivals Manchester City by 11 points but have a game in hand. City, in turn, trail leaders Arsenal by five points. While Champions League spots for the upcoming season seems secured for the Reds, they'll have to push hard and depend on favourable results from City and Arsenal's games to have a chance at regaining the league crown.