UEFA Champions league, Lille 0-1 Manchester united

United steal victory with Giggs' free-kick controversy

Manchester United flew home with a priceless Champions League lead and left behind a storm of controversy over incidents that included furious Lille coaching staff attempting to haul their players off the pitch before the final whistle. Ryan Giggs scored directly from a quickly-taken free-kick with seven minutes left but that incensed the Lille players who were still trying to construct their defensive wall.

Lille players raced to the Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar, unable to comprehend how he had allowed the goal to stand, but he was not for turning and his obduracy triggered a stunning reaction from the home bench, with the signal going out for the Lille players to head for the touchline and end the game.

Lille fans were not happy when play did resume, and started hurling objects onto the pitch, one of them hitting Gary Neville in the head! The remaining two minutes (and three minutes of extra time) were seen out amidst a torrent of objects from the stands. Manchester United players were understandably glad to walk off the pitch sooner rather than later!

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