Middlesbrough Have Equalised vs Manchester United And It Somehow Wasn't Ruled Out For Handball
Middlesbrough have equalised against Manchester United with one of the craziest goals you'll ever see, and it somehow wasn't ruled out by VAR.
Jadon Sancho put United ahead in the first half and the home side looked comfortable for large spells of the game.
Just past the hour mark however, Chris Wilder's side equalised after Duncan Watmore's cross was turned in by Matt Crooks.
Watmore controlled the ball with his right foot and then brought it down with his hand before attempting to shoot.
What a moment for @mdrcrooks! 🤩@Boro are level at Old Trafford - albeit in very controversial circumstances... 😱
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 4, 2022
🏆 @EmiratesFACup | #Boro pic.twitter.com/MstTRlhXGW
now i love watmore but how’s this not a handball then 😭 pic.twitter.com/97i1TJ9fqa
— 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 💜 (@Confusion_ow) February 4, 2022
VAR has ruled the incident as 'accidental handball' in the build-up.
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A rule change means the goal can stand as Watmore's action immediately after the handball didn't end up in a goal. Make of that what you will.
Even the away end at Old Trafford's celebrations were muted and ITV commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon were sure it'd be ruled out.
Truly remarkable scenes.
A reminder of the updated handball rules for this season. If Watmore puts the ball in, it’s disallowed. I think. Because he didn’t score and Crooks did, the goal stands. pic.twitter.com/YleCzBXplp
— Matt Critchley (@MattCritchley1) February 4, 2022
Fans on social media are amazed that the goal was given and aren't happy with the rule change.
One commented: "Simply cannot get my head around that Middlesbrough goal."
Another added: "What a dunk from Watmore. Oh wait, wrong sport."
While a third said: "Now I love Watmore but how is that not handball man?"
United started with a strong XI after a two week winter break and Paul Pogba made his first appearance since November.
The World Cup winner played a key role in the first half, winning a penalty after being fouled by Anfernee Dijksteel.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty and shockingly put it wide.
Jadon Sancho spared his blushes moments later however by giving United the lead with a deflected effort.
Marcus Rashford thought he'd smashed home a second before being judged offside.
After Boro's equaliser, United hit back almost immediately but Bruno Fernandes saw his effort hit the post.
Anthony Elanga had a chance to win it right at the end but saw his header saved by Joe Lumley.
Daniel Marland