Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher admits he was surprised Sheffield United were denied a goal against Hull City on Friday night. But Gallagher accepts such close calls are part and parcel of football without VAR.

City were a goal in front at Bramall Lane after Matt Crooks' thunderbolt in the opening 10 minutes, but the hosts, who had lost just once at home in the Championship all season, having conceded just five times, rallied at the start of the second half and had the ball in the net when Rhian Brewster headed into the path of Tyrese Campbell, who finished well over Ivor Pandur.

The assistant referee's flag was up long before Campbell hit the back of the net with a smart effort, denying United an equaliser. Just a few minutes later, City turned the screw and took the game away from Chris Wilder's Blades when Cody Drameh crossed for Matty Jacob to steer into the corner of Michael Cooper's net.

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Ruben Selles' Tigers put the icing on the most delightful of cakes when Joao Pedro's determined run and crosses forced Harrison Burrows to turn into his own net under pressure from Abu Kamara to seal a thumping success and one the visitors thoroughly deserved.

Though City were full value for their comprehensive victory at Bramall Lane, much of the post-match debate on the red side of Sheffield centred on the disallowed goal which came at a key point in the game.

"I think, without VAR, you'd have to be CSI for these types of incidents. You have to accept that this is part and parcel of football. if you look at that (still image shown below), you still can't tell," Galagher said on Sky Sports' ref watch. "The assistant's in a perfect position, the speed it comes and distance it comes, I think you have to accept that everybody expects a goal."