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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Samuel Luckhurst

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag responds to FA charge vs Newcastle

Erik ten Hag defended Manchester United players' reaction to their disallowed goal against Newcastle, despite their charge from the Football Association.

United have been charged for failure to "ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 49th minute" of their goalless draw.

Ronaldo intercepted a stationary ball and scored, only referee Craig Pawson blew his whistle before the action was completed.

Also read: United give injury news vs Tottenham

Most of the United players surrounded Pawson as they believed the free-kick had already been taken by Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, who kicked the ball back to goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Pawson's hand was still raised as Pope waited to kick the ball, indicating he felt Schar's 'pass' had not resumed the game.

Behaviour towards officials has become topical after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was sent off for berating the linesman during their 1-0 win over Manchester City and Pep Guardiola confronted referee Anthony Taylor when he went to consult the pitchside monitor before disallowing Phil Foden's goal due to a foul by Erling Haaland on Fabinho.

"My response? To the charge?" Ten Hag asked. "I must say I don't think it was too strong, it wasn't really aggressive but I don't know what's happening exactly on the pitch, I was too far away.

"I saw it back on the video. There was a touch from the Newcastle player, quite clear and they went to the referee to ask about it.

"First of all, I want to express that: we have always accepted the referees' decisions and it is also quite normal you ask why at the moment. It was a curious incident, you ask - as a team - why.

"My view is finally, quite quick, you have to accept, it's the referee's decision, you accept it and have to move on. We are an example for amateurs, for youth, professional players, quite clear. We have to know our role and it's also about professional football.

"And a decision like this, it was quite obvious the player touched the ball from Newcastle and our players took advantage of it. When you explain, it has to be quite soon."

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