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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Marcus Banks

Manchester United fans slam VAR after Crystal Palace penalty farce

Manchester United fans fumed at VAR and referee Martin Atkinson after Crystal Palace netted their second goal of the game in dubious fashion at Old Trafford.

United found themselves behind after just seven minutes following some poor defending which allowed Andros Townsend to put Roy Hodgson's men ahead.

United struggled to find their rhythm and committed to throwing more players forward in the second-half as they searched for an equaliser. Palace countered and the ball struck Victor Lindelof's arm as Ayew flicked the ball towards goal.

A subsequent VAR check concluded that Atkinson should take a second look at the incident on the pitch side monitor and the on-field official awarded the penalty which was saved by David de Gea - his first penalty save since April 2016.

However, just one minute later, a retake was ordered after VAR adjudged De Gea to have stepped off his line to block the spot-kick.

Former United man Wilfried Zaha converted from the spot on Palace's second attempt which prompted a sarcastic clap from De Gea.

United fans were in disbelief at the two decisions that went against their side and slammed the use of the technology.

The Premier League released a statement after the decision was made to retake the penalty explaining the protocol.

It read: "The protocol for goalkeeper encroachment on penalties does not allow for tolerance levels, so if the goalkeeper saves a penalty and his foot is over the line then VAR advises it is retaken."

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