Newcastle United drew 0-0 with Man United and picked up a good point but the home side were riled by the developments on the pitch which led ultimately to Manchester United having been charged by the FA following their behavior in the goalless match.
A disputed free-kick saw Ronaldo depriving Nick Pope of the ball off and slotting into the empty net as the Toons stars were getting ready to reset themselves for the set-play. Craig Pawson’s subsequent decision to not allow Ronaldo’s tongue-in-cheek attempt to take the lead resulted in a full scale meltdown of the Man United team with nine of its players – led by Ronaldo – surrounding the referee to try and get him to change his decision.
The allegation is that Manchester United 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 October to respond.
Toon goalkeeper Nick Pope said on Sunday: “The free-kick was slightly in the wrong place and obviously Fabby’s (Schar) rolled it back to me and walked off. I think you know by everyone’s body language that you know he’s not meaning to take a free-kick.
“I think the referee sorted it out quickly and fair play to him for making the right decision and squashed it straight away.”