'Absolutely stupid' - Damning Fulham verdict issued vs Manchester United

Fulham's FA Cup Old Trafford implosion was labelled 'absolutely stupid' by pundit Lee Dixon as Manchester United seized on the Cottagers' madness.

Fulham were leading 1-0 thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic's second-half header when Willian handled the ball on the line from a Jadon Sancho shot following a sweeping United counter-attack. The decision was given by referee Chris Kavanagh after a VAR review with visiting manager Marco Silva sent off for his protests.

Mitrovic then followed his manager and winger down the tunnel after pushing the official as he aggressively contested the decision. After a lengthy delay, Bruno Fernandes tucked away the spot kick and moments later Marcel Sabitzer turned the tie on its head when he turned in Luke Shaw's cross.

LIVE: United v Fulham latest from Old Trafford

Former Arsenal man Dixon, part of the ITV commentary team covering the game, was left stunned by what unfolded on the Old Trafford turf.

"It has all gone off," said Dixon. "Mitrovic walked over to the referee and said something. He pushed him and leaned into his face. It is absolutely stupid, you have the cup tie in your hands and have literally thrown it away. Extraordinary goings-on, it really is.

"When you think about where Fulham were and how much control they had over this game, all of a sudden it is unravelling in front of our eyes. They have lost their heads.

"They have somehow got to regroup, the senior players have to get together and have a chat. Your centre forward has gone, your manager has gone, your right winger has gone. What went on after that was just a farce."

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