Referee blunder denies Newcastle

Manchester United 0, Newcastle 0

Durkin earned the admiration of Magpies boss Bobby Robson and opposite number Alex Ferguson in admitting he had blundered by failing to give the visitors a first-half spot-kick when Tim Howard floored Alan Shearer as they chased Gary Neville’s under-hit back pass during the goalless draw.

“If I had seen the incident clearly I would have given it,” admitted Durkin. “I was expecting the ball to be played upfield, so I was a long way off when it happened and I wasn’t certain there had been any contact.