Manchester United charged by FA over incident in Newcastle fixture

Manchester United have been charged by the Football Association for allegedly failing to control their players during the second half of Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

Following the awarding of a Newcastle free-kick deep inside their own half on 49 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo robbed the ball off the toes of Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope, broke forward and stroked the ball into the back of an empty net, under the impression that the free-kick had been taken. It appeared as though the ball had been rolled back to Pope by a Newcastle defender, signalling that play had resumed.

However, referee Craig Pawson immediately chalked off the goal, deeming that the free-kick had not been taken. Ronaldo, along with a collection of his United teammates, surrounded the Premier League whistle-blower in protest, resulting in the Portuguese international being booked.

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A statement released by the FA on Tuesday afternoon said: "Manchester United FC has been charged with a breach of FA rule E20.1 following its Premier League game against Newcastle United FC on Sunday [16/20/22].

"It's alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 49th minute of this match, and the club has until Thursday [20/10/22] to respond."

Ronaldo was apoplectic with Pawson, leading United's protests. He was sure that the ball had been rolled back to Pope, who stood static thinking that the ball was dead. It was obvious he was gearing up to take the free-kick himself.

United have not issued any comment in response to the charge.

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