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      Unai Emery branded a ‘politician in disguise’ over awkward reply to ‘what went wrong?’ question after Man Utd loss

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      UNAI EMERY has been branded a “politician in disguise” over his interview following Aston Villa’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United.The surprise defeat came after Villa went in 2-0 ahead at half time thanks to goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker.
      Emery refused to answer the question directlyCredit: X @primevideosport
      He said that the club having 39 points at this stage of the season was some achievementCredit: X @primevideosport
      The defeat was the first time the Villans have lost since early November, with Unai Emery’s side beating both Manchester City and Arsenal during that time.
      His awkward interview came with the Amazon Prime TV crew, with the reporter asking him after the defeat: “Unai, what went wrong?”
      Emery replied tentatively, after dramatically stroking his chin a number of times.
      Rather than address the question directly, he said: “39 points, it’s amazing… But now you’re asking me in another direction.”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The manager then let out a laugh as the reporter swiftly moved on and said: “On tonight, in that second half… Only tonight, only in that second half, obviously your season has been fantastic.”
      Emery laughed again and said, “Good, good. Only tonight,” before continuing: “Only analyse tonight. Sixty minutes, fantastic. Fantastic.”
      But the terse Emery wasn’t willing to expand further than that, clearly feeling his side’s amazing start to the season was enough to do all the talking.
      An Aston Villa fan replied to the interview saying: “He’s a politician in disguise.”
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      Another fan replied: “Why wouldn’t he be positive in our position. No Villa fan would realistically expect for us to be 3 points from the top of the league at the halfway point.”
      A third said: “Rightly so, what a job this guy is doing.”
      A fourth replied: “Unai is raging. I can tell.” More

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      Patrice Evra leaves Gabby Logan and panellists in stitches with cheeky comment after Man Utd’s thriller vs Aston Villa

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      PATRICE EVRA had Gabby Logan and his fellow panellists in stitches after a cheeky comment following Manchester United’s win last night.The Red Devils came from 2-0 down at half-time to triumph 3-2 with a brilliant second half performance.
      Patrice Evra was left confused by Gabby Logan’s ‘posh’ English on Amazon Prime VideoCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      The Frenchman’s cheeky response had his fellow pundits in stitchesCredit: Amazon Prime Video
      United went behind after Aston Villa’s never-seen-before free-kick tactic.
      Then it got even worse as Leander Dendoncker doubled the visitors’ lead just five minutes later.
      United legend Evra was covering the game for Amazon Prime Video and he was widely-mocked at half-time for stating that he was “happy” with his old team’s performance.
      However, he was the one laughing at full-time after Alejandro Garnacho grabbed a double while Rasmus Hojlund’s first Premier League goal sealed the points late on.
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      There were more smiles after the whistle as Evra, Eni Aluko and Roberto Martinez assessed the performance on the side of the Old Trafford pitch.
      Host Logan asked: “We must also pay homage to the rearguard action of United as well. There were some big moments there.”
      Evra burst into laughter as he responded: “Which rearguard action?”
      That led to sniggers from his colleagues while Logan looked visibly embarrassed, while Evra then continued: “When I’m with Gabby, she’s too posh. She speaks English, I’m French.”
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      Logan then spoke about commentator Jon Champion using the word “condemnatory” – to which led to more baffled looks from the fun-loving Frenchman.
      “Condem what?,” he asked in bewilderment.
      That led to ever-professional Logan soon realising that it would be best to move on with the show to avoid any further red-faces while Aluko and Martinez struggled to hide their smirks.
      Fan-favourite Evra, 42, arrived at United from Monaco in 2006 and he went on to win a host of honours under Sir Alex Ferguson.
      He lifted the Premier League title five times during his eight years at Old Trafford as well as the Champions League in 2008.
      He went on to have spells at Juventus, Marseille and West Ham before hanging up his boots in 2018 and going into the punditry world. More

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      Sam Allison excellent as he became first black ref in 15 years in controversial game.. it’s great for football & society

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      SAM ALLISON had an excellent game as he became the first black official to referee a Premier League match since my former colleague Uriah Rennie 15 years ago.He dealt with the Sheffield United vs Luton game well and also correctly managed the situation with Carlton Morris when the Hatters striker reported alleged racist abuse aimed at him from the home end.
      Sam Allison made history as he became the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League since Uriah RennieCredit: Getty
      The alleged incident was reported to fourth official Andy Madley and Allison walked over, explained the situation to both managers and checked Morris was OK before resuming the game.
      He followed the protocols in a calm and professional manner.
      Allison will have detailed the incident in an ‘extraordinary report’ to the FA once he returned home last night and the governing body and both clubs will work closely with the police and relevant authorities to establish the facts and take any necessary action.
      We don’t want to see racism at any time, but the fact the alleged incident occurred right towards the end of the match would have helped the officials.
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      If it had happened earlier on, the match would have been stopped for longer, security staff would have been called to the area of the stadium in question and a PA announcement would have been read out.
      Overall though, the talk after the match was about the football rather than the officials which is a sign of a good refereeing performance.
      It is great Allison had a decent game, just as Rebecca Welch did when taking charge of Burnley’s win at Fulham on Saturday.
      That is what the PGMOL wanted and it is good for football, the Premier League and society that they came through unscathed.
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      PGMOL head Howard Webb had said on both of the refs ahead of this weekend: “They are both part of the PGMOL development group which fast-tracks talented officials through the pathway.
      “We have already seen three officials from the group take charge of their first Premier League games and now we have number four and five and it shows the value of that work.
      “We have not seen a female take charge of a Premier League game before so it’s significant, and Sam being the first black official with a whistle in the Premier League since Uriah Rennie.
      “It demonstrates people can make it through the pathway from groups that are not traditionally well represented.” More

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      Raging Jurgen Klopp slams ‘insane’ refereeing after Liverpool denied TWO goals by VAR in Boxing Day win over Burnley

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      JURGEN KLOPP saw Liverpool go top of the Prem but raged at “insane” refereeing.Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota struck to down lowly Burnley at Turf Moor.
      Klopp was puzzled by how one Liverpool goal was ruled outCredit: Rex
      But the Anfield chief was furious after Harvey Elliott’s second-half goal was overturned by VAR Simon Hooper with offside Mo Salah deemed to have been in goalkeeper James Trafford’s eyeline.
      Klopp, who claimed Salah was pushed into the offending position, fumed: “They will tell us again it’s an offside situation or whatever.
      “It’s insane honestly. This man, if he never played football then it can happen.
      “You think ‘offside rule, let me see, page seven, there’s somebody between him and the goalie’ — that’s ridiculous.
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      “We all need referees but we need them with the right interpretation of the rules. How can you make this situation not a goal? That’s a clear goal.”
      Klopp added: “It’s just not OK. Trafford has no chance to get to the ball.
      “It was the perfect goal and Salah gets pushed into an offside position.”
      Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo also had a goal scrubbed out by VAR for a tug by Nunez on Charlie Taylor.
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      And Klopp’s comments will make uncomfortable reading for Hooper who was at the centre of more controversy at Manchester City’s 3-3 draw at Tottenham this month.
      He blew for a foul on Erling Haaland rather than playing advantage after the Norwegian had sent Jack Grealish clear through on goal.
      Even so Burnley could not take advantage of their reprieve and Klopp was delighted as the Kop’s title push continued.
      He said: “Forty-two points. That is really pleasing, really cool. The first part of the season is done. It was absolutely all right what we did. Not perfect, but all right.
      “It keeps us so we cannot be more than a point away from the top of the table if Arsenal win, that’s within punching distance.”
      ‘ALIVE AND ENTERTAINING’
      With Salah heading to the Africa Cup of Nations early next month, the Reds will need Nunez and Jota — who is just back from injury — to weigh in with goals.
      Klopp added: “Diogo is an incredibly important player for us, having him changes the whole dynamic. The goal he scored was a goal of a boy full of conviction.
      “The goal for Darwin was as important.”
      Burnley lost a ninth home match out of ten in the Prem this season but boss Vincent Kompany still believes his team can come good.
      He said: “We had our moments — the team fought and was alive and entertaining. It just lacks a final touch.
      Read more on The Sun
      “I’ve no doubt they’ll make the step.
      “In my day Liverpool had one of the best sides and they are getting back to the intensity they had when I was a player.” More

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      Man Utd fans say ‘doubt it’s sheer coincidence’ as two club legends spotted at Old Trafford days after Ratcliffe takover

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      FANS can’t believe it was “sheer coincidence” two legends turned up at Old Trafford just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover to take in Manchester United’s astonishing win over Aston Villa.Many Red Devils’ supporters were almost as delighted to see Edwin van der Sar and Robin van Persie as they were by the 3-2 comeback win.
      Fans spotted Robin van Persie and wondered if he will return permanentlyCredit: Getty
      Edwin van der Sar saw a humdinger as Man Utd beat Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      And plenty of them reckon the duo are in line for roles under Ratcliffe – after seeing their fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag possibly save his job.
      Fans were especially thrilled to see ex-keeper Van der Sar following his health problems earlier this year. 
      But excitement at noticing the two heroes from Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era initially turned to dreaming that they were still good enough to play as United trailed 2-0 in Boxing Day’s Premier League match.
      Typical comments at this stage included: “Any chance Van Persie and Van der Sar can come on now?” – followed by crying emojis.
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      But in the second half, Alejandro Garnacho struck twice before Rasmus Hojlund broke his Prem duck by firing the Red Devils’ late clincher.
      Fans responded with observations like: “A magnificent Manchester United comeback with legends Van Der Sar & Van Persie at Old Trafford, the script writers outdid themselves on this one.”
      One wrote: “First United match after Ineos completed 25% United deal. Sir Dave Brailsford (Sir Jim’s right hand man) in attendance. Edwin Van Der Sar at Old Trafford for first time since his health scare. Robin Van Persie at Old Trafford. Good evening for United!”
      Speculation spiralled over possible roles for the Holland icons under Ratcliffe – once the 25 per cent buy-in from Britain’s richest man is ratified by football chiefs.
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      Van der Sar, 53, left his last position as Ajax CEO in May this year.
      And Feyenoord promoted 40-year-old Van Persie to joint head coach of their Under-18s and U19s this season.
      “Edwin and RVP attending the game, following Sir Jim is an interesting turn of events,” wrote one fan, who added: “I doubt it’s by sheer coincidence.”
      Another posted: “Van der Sar and Van Persie in the stands, what could this mean?”
      A third pondered: “INEOS giving Van Der Sar a role? This seems very coincidental?” More

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      Man Utd 3 Aston Villa 2: Hojlund breaks duck as Garnacho inspires incredible comeback in breathless Boxing Day thriller

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      RASMUS HOJLUND completed a stunning Manchester United comeback with his first Premier League goal for the club.There were more than a few questions being asked as to why £64million had been spent on the young Danish striker.
      Rasmus Hojlund’s first-ever Premier League goal sealed a 3-2 comeback win for Man Utd against Aston VillaCredit: AFP
      Alejandro Garnacho led the way with a second-half brace as United trailed 2-0Credit: Getty

      On Tuesday night he was able to provide an answer having also been on the mark in the Champions League Group with five goals.
      He could hardly control his emotions after plundering the 81st minute volleyed winner as United came from 2-0 down to win.
      Up in the stands his father was in tears at what his son had just done.
      Old Trafford might be “falling down” as visiting fans sing when they come here nowadays.
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      But it still has the capacity to produce moments of magic.
      All this in front of the Sporting Director of INEOS Dave Brailsford whose chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe has just taken 25 per cent control of the club.
      At half-time he was presiding over a shambles by full time he realised this is still a very special club on night’s like this.
      It has been a pretty awful season and the Red Devils didn’t look in the mood to sugar coat it last night as Aston Villa raced into a two goal lead inside the first half hour.
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      Aston Villa took the lead through John McGinn’s free-kickCredit: AFP
      Leander Dendoncker had Villa 2-0 inside 26 minutesCredit: EPA
      The two goals came from the feet of Alejandro Garnacho as the 19-year-old Argentine international struck twice in the 59th and 71st minutes.
      Then came Hojlund’s magical moment. The second half could not have been more at odds with the first against a side with real title winning credentials.
      United had gone into the game on the back of a dismal 2-0 defeat to West Ham which marked their worst start to a season since 1930 in terms of defeats in all competitions.
      It was their 13th loss of the season and that had looked like going up to 14 after a dismal opening period from the Red Devils that brought the now familiar boos.
      Goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put Unai Emery’s Merry men in control.
      Garnacho led the way as he pulled a goal back for UnitedCredit: Getty
      The winger made it 2-2 to give United a shot of beliefCredit: Getty
      It was too easy for them against a bunch of individuals playing the blame game.
      Every time a move went wrong as arms went up in the air and teammates growled at each other
      Villa were 1-0 up on 21 minutes with another entry into the calamity catalogue for Andre Onana.
      He was no doubt distracted by Leon Bailey stood on his shoulder as McGinn prepared to take a free kick wide on the right.
      But that was the idea and as McGinn whipped the ball in, Bailey ran away, and it bounced straight past Onana. And on 26 minutes it was two.
      Hojlund left it late as he made a huge impactCredit: Reuters
      The Dane was overjoyed with his goalCredit: AFP
      McGinn delivered the corner that flew to the far post, Clement Lenglet headed it back across goal and Dendoncker, in his first Premier League start since April, executed a back heeled volley into the net.
      United were not finished. It looked like they had found a way back into the game just after the break as Bruno Fernandes sent the recalled Marcus Rashford away.
      He squared for Garnacho who rounded the goalkeeper and stabbed the ball home.
      Unfortunately for him he was just offside when the ball was played.
      Unfortunate, or just badly timed, as balls and runs had been on a number of occasions in the first period.
      Still, there was life in United and when Fernandes sent Rashford away again Emiliano Martinez came out his area and cleared him out.
      Unai Emery couldn’t believe what he was seeingCredit: Reuters
      Erik ten Hag lives to fight another dayCredit: Reuters
      Sir Dave Brailsford watched on after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent takeoverCredit: Getty
      The home players and manager appealed for a free kick and more, but it had been a superbly timed challenged by the Villa goalkeeper.
      United remained on the front foot and finally got their reward.
      It was the same combination again as Fernandes found Rashford who squared for Garnacho and this time there was not question as he slid the ball into the net.
      It was all square when Garnacho was on the mark again executing a superb finish from the middle of the area after the ball had bounced free.
      It was one way traffic now and when a corner from Fernandes bounced off McGinn there was Hojlund to fire home off the inside of the post.
      Diogo Dalot said ahead of kick off that he hoped Ratcliffe’s involvement, would bring ‘energy, positive feelings and positive thoughts’.
      It took 45 minutes for them to arrive but they did. What to make of this United?
      They can get dumped 2-0 with a woeful display at West Ham.
      Read more on The Sun
      Yet either side of that have earned a draw with Liverpool and this against Villa, two teams contending for the title.
      One thing Sir Jim needs to know, is that it will never be dull. More

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      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa LIVE RESULT: Hojlund and Garnacho fire United to incredible first win under new owner Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have secured their first win under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – but they had to dig deep.John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker put the visitors two up inside the first 30 minutes.
      But Alejandro Garnacho’s delightful double levelled the score.
      And Rasmus Hojlund grabbed the winner with his first Premier League goal of the season.

      RESULT: Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      Live stream/TV: Amazon Prime Video
      Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen; Fernandes, Rashford, Garnacho; Hojlund
      Villa XI: Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne; Luiz, Dendoncker, Bailey, Ramsey; McGinn; Watkins.
      Explainer: Who is Sir Jim Ratcliffe?

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      Follow ALL the action from Old Trafford with our live blog below…
      That’s all from us!
      Thank you as always for reading with us, we look forward to seeing you again next time.
      If you still haven’t got your footballing fix, you can catch more top stories from us here, and the player ratings from this game there too.
      Have a lovely night!
      Who’s next?
      This is how the next four games look for Manchester United, they need to try and build some consistency, and if they can go on a good run, they should be in a good spot come the end of the season.
      Forest will not be an easy opponent, and will be buoyed after their victory today, and then they face Spurs who are having a good season too.

      Match stats
      These are the match stats at full-time.
      A 3-2 win for United was a fair reflection on the game when all said and done, and they came out fighting in the second half.
      They will need to keep this clinical finishing up against Forest and Spurs in the upcoming games if they want to continue to rise up the table.

      Garnacho channels his inner CR7
      He grew up idolising Cristiano, but today he etched his name into Manchester United folklore after he grasped the game and dragged his team to the win.
      He was man of the match, and absolutely exceptional out there today.
      Both of his goals were well taken, and he showed maturity and quality in abundance.
      This is one of the best days of my life”Alejandro GarnachoVia Prime Video
      Hojlund gets his goal!
      What a belated Christmas gift that was for Rasmus Hojlund, the winning goal in a thriller against Villa after being 2-0 down.
      He was poor in the first half, with his first touch looking like he was wearing Timberland boots.
      Nonetheless, he stepped up when his team needed a goal the most, and his sumptuous left footed finish into the corner saw him end his Premier League goal drought.
      I am the happiest man alive right now”Rasmus HojlundPrime Video
      Hojlund is no longer waiting on that miracleCredit: Getty
      FULL-TIME! Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      FT. The referee calls the game to a close, and that is an enormous three points and result for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United!
      What a game!
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      90+9. Villa are unable to put anything together, and they haven’t really been able to for most of this second half.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      90+7. United just trying to see this one out now, and it looks as though they are going to do so!
      This is a huge three points for United if they can indeed get it.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      90+4. Dan Gore and Hannibal are coming on for Man Utd.
      They are replacing Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      90+2. Alejandro Garnacho goes down injured with cramp, but gets back up on his feet.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      90. There are nine minutes of added time here.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      88. Willy Kambwala comes on to replace Rasmus Hojlund.
      He is hugely applauded thanks to his first goal.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      85. Villa now find themselves needing a goal just to salvage a draw!
      McGinn comes forward, but is dispossessed before the ball is cleared away by McTominay.
      Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      82. What a turnaround by Man Utd, and what a relief for Rasmus Hojlund!
      They have been deserving of the victory based on this second half performance!What a showing!
      GOALLLLLL! Man Utd 3-2 Aston Villa
      80. Antony dispossesses Lenglet and wins a corner, it is whipped into the middle by Bruno Fernandes and HOJLUND FINISHES IT OFF!
      Andre Onana is up to join in the celebrations!1026 minutes with no goal, and he finally gets off the mark!
      It’s a left footed volley from inside the area! Merry Christmas Rasmus Hojlund!
      Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
      78. Rashford goes down, and his nights work is now done as Antony comes on to replace him.
      Kobbie Mainoo is replaced by Scott McTominay too.
      Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
      76. Diaby and Zaniolo are set to come on for Villa here.
      They will replace Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey.
      Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
      72. Man Utd have been really on the front foot in the second half, and are fully deserving of the draw here.
      “Viva Garnacho” rings around Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes is booked for losing his temper at Douglas Luiz.
      Man Utd 2-2 Aston Villa
      70. The corner comes to nothing, but United keep the ball and come on the attack again.
      Bruno works the ball into the middle to Garnacho, WHO SMASHES IT HOME!
      THEY HAVE LEVELLED THE SCORING HERE.
      Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
      68. Man Utd are coming forwards again here with Garnacho, and he wins a corner for the Red Devils.
      Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
      65. Hojlund gets through on goal and thinks he is shoved to ground by Diego Carlos.
      That could be contentious for a VAR review, but the offside flag negates that regardless.
      Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
      63. Onana plays a great ball up the field for Garnacho, who bodies the defender and takes a shot that goes just wide of the target.
      Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
      61. Villa come straight back on the attack with Bailey, but his shot is well saved.
      GOALLLLL! Man Utd 1-2 Aston Villa
      58. Alejandro Garnacho gets his goal!
      Great play from Rashford down the left side, and he crosses the ball to Garnacho to tap home!
      Man Utd 0-2 Aston Villa
      56. Fernandes takes a good strike at goal, but Martinez makes another good save.
      United look much more dangerous in the second half than in the first. More

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      Police investigating alleged racial abuse after Luton star Carlton Morris reports comment from crowd at Sheff Utd

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      POLICE are investigating an alleged incident of racial abuse after Luton Town star Carlton Morris reported an “unfortunate” crowd comment to officials.The striker, 28, came off the bench in his side’s thrilling 3-2 win at Sheffield United on Boxing Day.
      Police are investigating an alleged incident of racial abuse against Carlton MorrisCredit: Reuters
      The Luton striker reported a comment during his side’s win at Sheffield UnitedCredit: PA
      Luton found themselves 2-1 down at United before late own-goals from Jack Robinson and Anis Ben Slimane handed them a huge win over their relegation rivals.
      However, the game was briefly halted during added time after Morris was seen speaking to fourth official Andy Madley.
      Referee Sam Allison then interacted with managers Rob Edwards and Chris Wilder before continuing with the final moments of the match.
      Afterwards, Morris said he had reported a comment from an individual who was based in the front row of Bramall Lane’s main stand.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      He told Amazon Prime: “The Premier League have been great at telling us protocols and things like that.
      “And I heard something from the crowd in the front row, unfortunately.
      “I thought it was best to get it reported straight away, and then go from there.”
      At his post-match press conference, Luton boss Edwards revealed police are now investigating an alleged incident of racial abuse.
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      He said: “It’s an alleged racial comment, the police are dealing with that now.
      “They’ve spoken to Carlton and got his take on it, it’s with them now so I’ve got no more comment on it.
      “Carlton’s alright. At the time, he seemed pretty angry but he seems fine now.”
      The Premier League released a statement offering Morris their full support.
      It read: “Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society and we encourage anyone who hears or sees discrimination to report it so action can be taken.
      “We will offer our full support to Carlton Morris and Luton Town FC, as well as continuing to work with clubs and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
      Blades boss Wilder said at his own press conference: “There was a comment which was made that the referee came over to speak to me and Rob about, from a racial point of view which obviously is not great if found to have been the case.
      “It was from the crowd, towards one of their players.” More