ANGRY Manchester City stars confronted ref Stuart Attwell in the tunnel afterwards over the “joke” goal that sparked United’s 2-1 comeback win.
City were furious Marcus Rashford was not ruled offside and interfering with play when Bruno Fernandes‘ equalised in the Old Trafford derby.
Man City players protested at the time of Bruno Fernandes’ goal and reignited their complaints in the tunnel afterwardsRex
GettyMarcus Rashford proclaimed his innocence over Bruno Fernandes’ goal but City stars were sure he was interfering with play[/caption]
Rashford himself then completed a 2-1 Red Devils’ triumph which means leaders Arsenal will go eight points clear of City if they win at Spurs on Sunday.
Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Manuel Akanji were among visiting players who raged at Attwell and his assistants following the final whistle.
City defender Akanji later blasted the “joke” decision, claiming Rashford had been “clearly offside”.
The England striker chased Casemiro‘s pass but eventually left it for Fernandes to lash home.
But City are convinced Rashford’s actions affected the ability of centre-backs Akanji and Nathan Ake to challenge properly.
And assistant ref assistant Darren Cann initially flagged for offside when Fernandes’ shot went in.
But Attwell allowed the goal to stand after discussing the call with Cann.
Akanji said: “The first goal is a joke. Rashford is clearly offside so I played him offside.
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“He runs to the last second and only stops because Bruno is coming in behind him.
“I understand he doesn’t touch the ball but he runs for 30 metres, chasing the ball then he stops. The referee didn’t look at the situation.”
In contrast, Old Trafford chief Erik ten Hag hailed his team’s “resilience and determination” after they went third and eased memories of a 6-3 loss at the Etihad in October.