Normal time of Manchester United’s friendly against Leeds United was ended early after a string of pitch invaders disrupted the match.
The pre-season clash at Croke Park in Dublin was the first ever club football match at the iconic venue but was marred right at the end when multiple fans ran onto the pitch.
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As the clock ticked down towards the 90th minute, a young supporter cleared the advertising hoardings.
Play was immediately stopped before five more fans invaded the pitch to take selfies with the players.
Whilst the TV cameras panned away from the incident, cheers could be heard from the crowd as each supporter entered the field.
Due to the disruption, referee Neil Doyle blew the final whistle before play restarted, without any added time indicated.
Meanwhile, it was announced on the PA system inside the stadium threatening to stop the match again if there were any more pitch invasions.
With the score level at 1-1, a penalty shootout followed once the pitch invaders had been removed.
United win on penalties
And the bragging rights belonged to Man United as they emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 5-4.
The decisive moment saw Noussair Mazraoui score the winning penalty after James Justin struck the crossbar with his effort.
United had appeared in control of the shootout after summer signing Harry Wilson was denied for Leeds by Dermot Mee.
However, an uncharacteristic miss from Bruno Fernandes as he sent his spot-kick wide resulted in sudden death efforts.
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The Red Devils captain’s blushes were spared, though, after Youri Tielemans and Mazraoui found the target.
In doing so, United also get their hands on a piece of silverware by lifting the BOYLE Sports Cup.
Joshua Zirkzee had opened the scoring during the first half in the Irish capital.
His 16th minute strike made history as the first-ever club goal scored at Croke Park in its 142-year existence.
The match was the first association football match of any kind played at the 82,300-capacity stadium for 17 years.
Zirkzee’s goal was cancelled out before half-time as Brenden Aaronson levelled for Leeds.
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When do United and Leeds play next?
United will now conclude their pre-season schedule against AC Milan on Saturday.
The two sides meet at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland this weekend.
Michael Carrick’s side then begin their Premier League campaign away to newly-promoted Hull City on August 22.
As for Leeds, they host Augsburg at Elland Road on Saturday before visiting Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend of the season.
