Premier League clears up confusion about Bruno Fernandes’ assist record after questions were asked
A Premier League spokesperson has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu’s goal will stand after being reviewed by the Goal Accreditation Panel, despite some doubts about whether it should have been counted as an own goal.
On Sunday, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes earned a record-breaking assist during the final Premier League game against Brighton, when Dorgu scored with a header from a corner. The league celebrated Fernandes by giving him a Golden Playmaker Award and featuring his achievement as the top assister in a single season on their social media.
Fernandes shared, “It’s great. I’m very happy and proud. I never imagined this until I got close to it.” He surpassed legends Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry with 21 assists.
Some fans questioned the goal after replays showed Dorgu’s header hit the bar, then Brighton’s goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, before going in. But the Premier League confirmed on Monday that the goal stands and Fernandes keeps the assist.
A Premier League spokesperson told Football London, “It was decided to be a goal by Patrick Dorgu, first by Opta, then confirmed by the Goal Accreditation Panel.”
Fernandes received lots of praise, including a message from former record-holder Thierry Henry, who had 20 assists in the 2002-03 season. Henry called Fernandes “Braino” with love and respect.
Kevin De Bruyne, who tied Henry’s record in 2019-20, wasn’t as lucky. One of his assists was removed because it slightly deflected off an opponent’s studs during a match against Arsenal. De Bruyne said he felt robbed but accepted the league’s decision.
He even joked about it in an interview, pointing out that the Premier League included that disallowed assist at the start of a video celebrating his 100 Premier League assists. “Can you imagine how wrong they were?” he said, laughing.