Duncan Watmore says he expected his controversial assist for Middlesbrough against Manchester United to stand despite clearly handling the ball inside the box.
Boro produced the first shock of the FA Cup fourth round after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with United at Old Trafford, before marching on to win the match on penalties.
United wasted a flurry of chances in front of goal, including a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty miss, so we can only have ourselves to blame for not putting the tie to bed in the first-half.
Jadon Sancho gave United the lead with a first-half opener, but the Red Devils were pegged back after the interval when Matt Crooks was found lurking at the back post following a moment of controversy.
Why wasn’t it ruled out by VAR for handball?
The reason is a change to the law at the start of the season to do with accidental handball for attackers. It’s hilarious that defenders don’t get the same support.
It was really disappointing to see the goal stand and nobody in the stadium could believe their eyes. I’m sure there were Boro fans in the away end that thought it would have been ruled out.
🗣 “It was completely accidental – I know it touched my hand but it wasn’t intended at all… it’s just amazing to set up Crooksy. We were in a United age group together here, so it’s quite special for both of us.” – Duncan Watmore
🏆 @EmiratesFACup | #Boro pic.twitter.com/J7wK8v2CJT
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 4, 2022
“It was completely accidental,” Watmore told ITV after the match.
