Bournemouth

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport senior journalist

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Bournemouth will welcome the news announced on Wednesday morning that Evanilson's red card against Manchester United on Sunday has been rescinded, and that the Cherries will now not see their main striker suspended for three of their four remaining games.

The decision did not come as a surprise, given the FA's decision to overturn a red card shown to United captain Bruno Fernandes in similar circumstances when he slipped while attempting a tackle against Tottenham on 29 September.

The Cherries had been leading 1-0 when Evanilson was sent off after the video assistant referee (VAR) called on-field official Peter Bankes (who had shown the Brazilian a yellow card) to the replay screen.

It is impossible to determine hypothetical scenarios without a small degree of conjecture.

However, it is not difficult to build a persuasive case suggesting that, if what the authorities now concede was the wrong decision had not been made, and the home side had retained 11 men on the field for the final 20 minutes, based on the balance of play for the first 70 minutes Bournemouth would have been far less likely to be clinging on to defend a narrow lead, and ultimately concede deep into stoppage time that was partially added on for the aforementioned – incorrect – VAR review.

My BBC colleague Simon Stone wrote at the time of the Fernandes rescinded red card that the news would be "greeted with a mixture of relief and immense frustration" by United boss Erik ten Hag, whose side were 1-0 down when Fernandes saw red, and eventually lost 3-0. Ten Hag was sacked a few weeks later.

The immediate reaction of Bournemouth's fans on social media has been similar – while relieved to have avoided a lengthy suspension, there is a sense of injustice that for at least the second time this season, an egregious VAR intervention has cost Andoni Iraola's side two points.

Back in August, the Cherries drew 1-1 with Newcastle when a late "goal" by Dango Ouattara was ruled out for what VAR termed a "factual handball" – only for referees' chief Howard Webb to later apologise and say the goal should have stood.

But with no league points awarded for apologies, there will continue to be a sense of frustration around Vitality Stadium after a weekend when stoppage time was not kind to Bournemouth's European hopes – as well as the 96th-minute United equaliser, rivals Fulham and Brighton scored added-time winners to elevate them one point above Iraola's side with four games left.

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On the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent podcast Cherries: Unpicked, former Bournemouth Joe Partington says Andoni Iraola will want want to usher the club forward as it progresses on and off the field.

Earlier this week Bournemouth's technical director Simon Francis said he is "confident" of keeping Iraola at the club and Partington believes all the activity behind the scenes will make that more likely even while other clubs admire his work.

"The manager looking to stay is as big of a statement as any of the things he [Francis] said," Partington told Cherries: Unpicked. "The club is only as successful as it is right now off the back of his inclusion.

"Obviously people will look back on what Eddie [Howe] has built and his role within everything that's going on at the moment but Iraola is the guy that is looking after the football club right now.

"As this club progresses into all the infrastructure it's got, into the training ground, into possible European positions - if it's not this year I'm sure the club will now have big eyes on next season - Iraola is going to want to be the guy to do that.

"Hopefully the advances of other clubs around the world at maybe higher levels or higher statuses in terms of size of clubs aren't enough to prise him away."

Listen to the full episode of Cherries: Unpicked on BBC Sounds

Liverpool want Bournemouth defensive duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez to bolster their squad and help defend their Premier League title. (Mail), external

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Sam Davis
Fan writer

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Bournemouth feel like they are a club that are going places, and the end of last week felt very significant for a number of reasons.

American owner Bill Foley came over to open a brand new Performance Centre, which is the new home for the Cherries' first, academy, and women's teams - a beautiful complex which provides a tangible legacy from what we hope will be a long-lasting Premier League era.

Not only that, but he also announced the repurchase of Vitality Stadium, a facility which we have been renting for the last 20 years, since we had to sell it due to financial problems in 2005.

This alone symbolises the incredible journey that the football club has been on, and with plans to expand to 20,000 and possibly higher in the next few years, fans finally feel like things are moving in a positive direction off the pitch, as well as on it.

News of the purchase was relayed to supporters before the last Premier League game against Manchester United, and it was an emotional moment to hear the outpouring of joy at how this once bucket-rattling club has overcome its problems to somehow become a relative powerhouse in world football.

Sitting 10th in the league, and with European football a distinct possibility, entering into a match against the Red Devils on Sunday as favourites was something not many Cherries fans would have ever imagined.

Sadly, for us, Andoni Iraola's men dropped points in a match which was riddled with controversy, therefore many home supporters left the stadium feeling disappointed. However, in hindsight, to be sitting as a top-half side, with a stadium back under our ownership, and the chance of Conference League football still not out of the realms of possibility, we have to be optimistic for the future.

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Bournemouth's technical director Simon Francis believes the Cherries' new state-of-the-art training facilities and stadium are a crucial step in the club's growth.

The south-coast club opened their £32m facility last week and it will be used for their men's, women's and academy teams.

"It's been a real special feeling driving in every day," former Bournemouth defender Francis explained. "I have an office and having the recruitment department with me every day has been great.

"Previously, we had been over at the Pavilion and only dipping in and out to see the staff and the manager because the business side was at the stadium.

"So to be here under one roof at a state-of-the-art facility has been top class. Feedback from the players has been amazing. It's been a long time coming.

"Fifteen years ago when I first signed, we were playing at Canford School, trying to find our own kit to wear. I have enjoyed being here since then and the rise.

"It's kind of the icing on the cake to finally be in this place. It's fully deserved for anyone who has been at the club over the years.

"It helps to build a legacy. It's been timely, but we are not stopping yet. I think there's a lot more to come from the football club because this group of players are on a journey and something special is happening."

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Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott says the Cherries have got enough in them to secure a European spot.

Both Fulham and Brighton are one point ahead of Bournemouth with four Premier League games remaining.

Scott told BBC Radio Solent after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United: "Just like that it changes. Brighton and Fulham both score in the 90th minute and that fuelled us [on Sunday] I think. We had to come here and we knew we had to get three points. Obviously we didn't manage to do that so it's gutting but we've got enough in us.

"We know we can compete with the top teams in this league. We've got Aston Villa, Man City and Arsenal coming up. We've beat Man City and Arsenal already this season so we know we can do it. Obviously they are tough, hard fixtures, but it's on us.

"We've got to give everything, try and dig away and get those last results to really push us over the edge and get the European spot."

Listen to the full clip over here

Match of the Day 2 pundit Danny Murphy says the challenge which Evanilson was sent off for in Bournemouth's 1-1 draw with Manchester United was "completely accidental" and a yellow card was "perfect".

The referee gave a yellow card but it was upgraded to a red following a video assistant referee review.

Murphy said: "That left foot goes from under him on the slip and catches him. The right foot he was going to tackle with doesn't catch him. It's completely accidental so a yellow was perfect."

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given added: "Andoni Iraola was going mental after the game because everyone can see he slips into the tackle - he wasn't trying to endanger anyone. He slipped over and a yellow card would be the right decision. I think they should appeal it and I think they'll get let off."

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Bournemouth and Manchester United.

Here are some of your replies:

Bournemouth fans

Matt: A perfectly good game of football ruined by VAR and the referee. It feels like a walk in history with Fergie time and big club, little club. I thought we were beyond this. A shocking officiating performance. Bournemouth need some depth in their squad though and that back-up goalscorer.

Barry: The draw was a fair result. I will be interested to see how many comments there are from fans of other teams.

Michael: The Bournemouth player never deserved to be sent off - he slipped over. The standard of refereeing throughout was poor and influenced the result in Manchester United's favour. I'm not a Bournemouth fan, but a neutral. This is just another example of poor refereeing.

Dom: With the competition in the Premier League and the expected departures, there is no guarantee we can compete for a European spot again next season, especially given how poor some of the big clubs have been and there being five Champions League spots. Having what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ripped from our hands by VAR - I'm also thinking back to the disallowed handball goal against Nottingham Forest on the first day of the season - is absolutely gut-wrenching.

Man Utd fans

John: It's embarrassing to see United struggle against teams like Bournemouth. They are a team that we should be steamrolling. Top four is a pipe dream for us. Why is Ruben Amorim sticking with systems that do not work?

Derek: United only look like scoring when they have to throw players forward. The gap between defence, midfield and the front line was massive for all of the first half. When we sacrifice a defender to attack, it looks like a proper Man Utd team. Please wake up to this simple fact, Ruben Amorim.

Chris: The team need to start finding consistency in level of performance, and begin managing and controlling games. I am fully behind the coach but his methods and playing style need to be more evident soon to ease the pressure. But for now, bring on Bilbao!

Eric: We were lucky. It's great that Luke Shaw is fit but Alejandro Garnacho, Andre Onana and Mason Mount need to be sold because they didn't impact the game, Onana wasn't focused and he is not alert, Mount didn't do much while Garnacho doesn't run down the wing or take players on. But we also need to stop playing out from defence!

Kevin: Shaw, Mount, Casemiro, Victor Lindelof and company are going to cost Amorim his job and he will deserve it - if for no other reason than him claiming there has been progress under his watch.

Margaret: Not many thoughts. What's going to happen now? Surely this manager cannot remain. The good players that we have will not work with him. There must be a reason for their unwillingness to train properly or something. Maybe the bosses should ask the players that question. There will be no European football next year - how long can you afford to wait before you get the message?

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester United

• Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham

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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been talking to Sky Sports following the game: "It is very frustrating. This win would have meant a lot to us and a point is a big difference."

On the red card: "It's common sense. Everyone who has played football understands - he slips. He doesn't catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge.

"Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. In the first half, Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don't think you should have a red card for this but VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame."

On suggestions that VAR did not tell the referee that Evanilson had slipped: "If you're telling me that, then it is something very serious. It is difficult for us."

On the race for European football: "We are in a worse position than at the start of the weekend, but we still have four games to play. They are difficult games but we are in the fight.

"It is difficult to look in a positive way at the moment, we need a few hours."

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Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has been speaking to Premier League Productions about the draw: "We worked so hard throughout the whole game. We played really well, especially in the first half. It is obviously unfortunate with the red card and then you've got to dig in.

"It's tough against a Manchester United team who haven't had the best of seasons, but they are still Manchester United. It's a bit of a dagger to concede the goal at the end.

"We gave everything in that game. We maybe didn't create enough chances, which is something we have lacked a bit recently. To concede after nine minutes were added on - I don't know where nine minutes came from - but you have got to take it on the chin."

On Evanilson's red card: "I could see on the pitch that he slipped. It looked like the referee didn't want to give [the red card], but once he went to the screen we knew he was more likely to give it."

On Bournemouth's European football hopes: "The results yesterday didn't help. We knew we had to come here and get three points, but we'll take the one. We've played well all season, so it would be a shame to let it slip in our remaining games."

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Andoni Iraola is unbeaten in all four of his Premier League meetings with Manchester United (W2 D2), with the Red Devils becoming the fifth different team the Spaniard has faced four or more times and not lost against.

Evanilson has been involved in six goals in his past nine Premier League starts for Bournemouth (5 goals, 1 assist). This was his first assist in the competition on what was his 27th appearance.

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Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been speaking to Sky Sports about the performance: "It is frustrating. We dominated most of the game. We went down to 10 men but I felt we were still quite comfortable. We defended so well. The goal we conceded is so frustrating. It feels like a loss, to be honest.

"I feel like there wasn't much more we could do. All we could do was defend as a group and hope not to concede. We are just unfortunate to concede with the last shot they had.

"The teams above us can lose next week and we can go above them. We just have to go on to next week. We have a tough game [against Arsenal], but the boys will be confident enough going to the Emirates.

"It is not getting easier, but I have full belief that we can still do something."

On Evanilson's red card: "Everyone's just frustrated. There were challenges like that all game. It doesn't make sense as to why that one was a red card."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Bournemouth's performance

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Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Two matches make up Sunday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Bournemouth v Man Utd (14:00) - follow all the action here

• Liverpool v Tottenham (16:30) - follow all the action here

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Bournemouth hammered Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford before Christmas and they have to be heavy favourites to win this game too.

United travel to play Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next Thursday, and Ruben Amorim has already spoken about how he will prioritise that competition over the Premier League.

So, Amorim will play more younger players here and on top of that, although Bournemouth are not on a great run of results, they are still in better form than United are.

I am backing Bournemouth and it is going to be tough for United against Bilbao too.

Bilbao got the better of Rangers in the last round and I am expecting two pretty tight games.

Rangers did have some opportunities, though, so United have got a chance if they can click going forward. Having the second leg at Old Trafford will help Amorim's side, too.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis believes this season is just the start for the Cherries, who want to continue to grow into a Premier League force.

Andoni Iraola's side are eighth in the league, having returned to the division in 2022. They host Manchester United at 14:00 BST on Sunday.

"Breaking records is always a good thing," said former defender Francis. "The club is in an amazing position in the league.

"We have had an amazing season but to sustain it is the hardest part. It's the business end of the season. We have a tough run of fixtures, but it is in our hands. The players know that.

"They have got a real togetherness and mentality that I've not really seen before at this football club. They know there is something special on the horizon, whether it is this season or the next couple of years.

"Staying in the Premier League was the first and most important achievement, but this group have a really nice blend of experience and young players who are hungry to succeed."

Francis also heaped praise on Iraola, who has transformed the Cherries into a relentless pressing machine with a clinical edge.

"He is enjoying being here, and if you asked him that, he would say the same," said Francis.

"Moving to the new training ground has been a big plus for him - the ambition the club has shown, the motivation of the players and because of what the future looks like.

"We are in contact every day and we discuss everything. We just try to give him the best environment possible for him and the team to perform.

"I think he is in the best place - not only for his career but the team at the moment."

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Bournemouth's technical director Simon Francis says that interest in the club's star players is testament to the job the Cherries have done with recruitment, and the performance of Andoni Iraola's team.

Bournemouth are eighth in the Premier League and players such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo are just three of the players rumoured to have attracted the gaze of clubs across Europe.

"We end up being a victim of our own success really," he said.

"There will be bigger teams circling around and looking at some of our players. There will be some situations we can't control, but there will be others we can.

"I'm confident that if we finish well this season, and that could mean European football, then the players will be excited about that. It would be historic.

"But there will also be some players that want to go and play for some of the biggest teams in the world, and sometimes you can't stand in their way.

"All we can hope now is that we finish this season on a high. The players are focused on that - I don't think their attention is anywhere else at the moment. Then we have to accept that in the summer, there will be discussions."

On 20-year-old Huijsen, who only arrived at Vitality Stadium from Juventus in the summer, Francis said: "He's had an amazing season. His most impressive attribute is his mentality. Everyone is aware of the noise around him but for him to stay so focused at his age has been admirable.

"He's not once changed his mentality around the group. I think that's partly down to the fact the group will keep him grounded anyway because we are a team and no individual is bigger than the team.

"The idea was for him to come in as back-up and learn, but through injury there was the opportunity for him to come into the team and he's been there ever since.

"For a player who has just turned 20, he reads the game and plays the game like he is 30 years old. He's impressive."