Manchester United fans were left raging after Middlesbrough’s equaliser was allowed to stand, despite a clear handball in the build-up.
United had earlier taken the lead in the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Old Trafford through Jadon Sancho, who scored after Cristiano Ronaldo put his penalty wide just minutes before.
The hosts had numerous chances to extend their lead and all-but book their place in the fifth round, but with the score still at just 1-0, Middlesbrough got themselves back in the game in controversial circumstances.
The ball was swept over to Duncan Watmore who, in controlling the ball, saw it bounce up off his foot and come back off his outstretched hand.
The former Sunderland man poked the ball across goal, where Matt Crooks was on hand to slide in at the far post and tuck the ball home, bringing the visitors level and causing United’s players to surround referee Anthony Taylor.
Despite a VAR review clearly showing the ball coming off Watmore’s hand, the goal was allowed to stand, with the referees on duty deeming it to be an accidental handball.
That explanation won’t be enough for United fans though, who couldn’t believe what they were witnessing.
Although United fans won’t be best pleased, a change in the handball law last year led to the goal standing.
Had Watmore scored himself, the goal would have been disallowed due to him benefitting directly from an accidental handball, but with Crooks instead scoring, Middlesbrough were free to celebrate their equaliser.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
