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The referee who came under fire for allowing a controversial Manchester United goal to stand last weekend, despite a clear handball in the build-up, has not been assigned any match for the final round of Premier League fixtures on Sunday.

Michael Salisbury’s decision to allow Matheus Cunha’s goal – United’s second in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest last Sunday – sparked widespread debate. The goal was scored after Bryan Mbeumo appeared to handle the ball in the lead-up to the play.

Although the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) advised Salisbury to check the incident on the pitchside monitor, he chose to stick with his initial judgment. Later, Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer of the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), reached out to Nottingham Forest and reportedly admitted that a different decision would have been more appropriate.

While English referees are generally known for showing greater tolerance in handball decisions, PGMO accepted that in this particular case, the on-field call should have been overturned.

Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha (left) is seen celebrating his team’s second goal following a VAR check during the Premier League clash at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. (PA Wire)

Salisbury has not been a regular presence in the Premier League this season, officiating only 13 matches – considerably fewer than top referees such as Michael Oliver, who has taken charge of 28 games and is set to officiate the high-stakes Tottenham vs Everton encounter.

World Cup referee Anthony Taylor will oversee the crucial relegation battle between West Ham and Leeds, while rising official Farai Hallam has been appointed to handle the Crystal Palace versus Arsenal fixture, with Arsenal already confirmed as the newly crowned Premier League champions.

In another case attracting attention, James Bell has been appointed as VAR for Fulham’s home game against Newcastle.

This follows criticism he faced earlier in the week for not suggesting a review after Kai Havertz’s challenge on Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu during Monday night’s Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, which Arsenal won 1-0.

Paul Tierney cautioned Havertz with a yellow card, but replays revealed the Arsenal midfielder’s studs making contact with the Burnley player’s calf. Despite this, Bell reviewed the footage and upheld the referee’s original decision, deciding against recommending a red card review.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described Havertz’s tackle as “vicious,” commenting, “He’s nowhere near the ball. I don’t like that. The height of it and the fact that it’s on the standing leg make it dangerous.”