Manchester United fans were left bemused after Jean-Philippe Mateta was allowed to retake a penalty which was deemed to have been illegal.
After an end-to-end first half as the sun beamed down on Selhurst Park, the Eagles were awarded a penalty before the interval when Mateta went down under a clumsy challenge from Leny Yoro.
It was the Palace striker who stepped up to take the spot-kick, slotting his effort home past visiting goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
However replays showed that Mateta’s right-footed penalty had brushed his left after the initial strike, meaning the Frenchman would have to retake his spot-kick. He did so with ease, sending Lammens the wrong way once again before wheeling away to celebrate.
But for United fans, Mateta should never have been given the opportunity for a retake after his initial error, with many taking to X to express their dismay.
One wrote: ‘A double touch from the penalty taker is his own mistake. A RETAKE shouldn’t be allowed. Game is gone.’
‘I knew the rule had changed so wasn’t too surprised by the retake. Of all the rules to change though, why that one? Did United get to retake the foul throw the other night? Would a player get to retake a free-kick if they slip while they take it? It’s nonsense,’ another complained.
While one fan posted: ‘The penalty retake rule is such a farce. If the player commits a “foul” then they shouldn’t be allowed a second attempt. Should be no different to a foul throw, if you don’t do it properly the other team are given the ball, you don’t get another chance.’
‘How is he allowed to retake? Surely it’s just a miss,’ a final fan queried.
More to follow.
