Martin Atkinson had no other option than to give Arsenal’s opening goal against Manchester United, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
The Gunners took the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances when Emile Smith Rowe drove the ball home from the edge of the box while David De Gea lay injured on the ground.
The goalkeeper was left out of action after team-mate Fred trod on his heel amid a scramble at a corner, with the ball being cleared out to the edge of the box before being moved on to Smith Rowe.
Atkinson blew his whistle just as the ball hit the back of the net, and appeared to not be awarding the goal as De Gea received treatment.
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