Newcastle boss gives verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo’s disallowed goal for Manchester United in 0-0 draw
Manchester United thought they had taken the lead when Cristiano Ronaldo nicked the ball off Newcastle United’s Nick Pope and slotted it into the back of the net.
Defender Fabian Schar seemingly took a free-kick just outside the Magpies’ box after touching the ball and leaving it for the goalkeeper. Pope apparently assumed that the free-kick was yet to be taken.
United players immediately surrounded referee Craig Pawson, who did not allow the goal to stand. Ronaldo was booked one minute later – in the 49th minute – for protesting the decision.
It was always going to be interesting to see what the opposition camp thought of this moment as they would have perhaps wanted it to stand if their team had done it. Their manager, Eddie Howe, gave his verdict in his post-match interview, saying (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“I could see it at the time, and for me it was clear Fabi wasn’t taking the kick. He was allowing Nick to do it. I don’t know if the ref had blown his whistle, but I don’t think he had to restart play.”
“For me, it was clear that Nick was waiting to actually deliver the free-kick and then, obviously, Ronaldo had taken the ball off him. It would have been a very, very difficult goal to swallow if it had stood.”
