Bruno Fernandes’ penalty routine should be banned, claims Arsenal legend

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 21, 2020 Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes scores their first goal from the penalty spot [REUTERS/Alex Livesey]

Ian Wright has called on Premier League chiefs to ban the unorthodox penalty routine used by the likes of Bruno Fernandes as he claims it's "not fair".

Fernandes rolled out his trademark technique during Man Utd's clash with West Brom on Saturday after his side were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute.

As usual, the Portuguese midfielder incorporated a small hop into his run-up in a bid to try and bamboozle the goalkeeper.

But Baggies' No1 Sam Johnstone was equal to Fernandes's first effort, palming his shot away, only for the officials to order a retake as he had strayed some way off his line.

Not deterred by his initial miss, Fernandes repeated his tried and tested method, this time with better results as he found the net, causing Wright to urge for a change in the penalty laws.

"It is [difficult for goalkeepers]," Wright said on BBC's Match of the Day.

"And then you've got forwards jumping up, doing this, doing that sort of stuff and the goalie can't move his foot off.

"They should stop people jumping and that, they should have to make a full... just run at the ball and hit it. If they can move and the goalies can't, that's not fair."

Bruno Fernandes scores Man United's first goal from the penalty spot [REUTERS/Catherine Ivill]

Presenter Gary Lineker asked: "Are you going to have a law that says you can't jump?"

Wright replied: "Yeah, you have to go straight through your penalty run-up, no jumping."

The technique is also adopted by Chelsea's Jorginho, though both players have missed penalties this season using their style.

Fernandes was fortunate to get a second crack from 12 yards on this occasion, and his goal proved to be the winner as United edged a 1-0 victory.

It wasn't the only penalty talking point during the clash at Old Trafford, as West Brom had an earlier decision overturned after referee David Coote went back on his original ruling following a consultation with VAR.

Coote had adjudged Fernandes to have fouled West Brom's Conor Gallagher in the box, pointing promptly to the spot.

Replays showed Fernandes clearly kicked Gallagher in the shin without making contact with the ball, but after being asked to review his decision on the pitchside monitor, Coote made a U-turn on his call.

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand said: "It’s a disgraceful decision. The more you look at it, the more it’s a penalty.

“That was so clear. That is not what VAR is for.”