'Utterly f*cking disgraceful' - More FA Cup controversy as lack of goalline technology and VAR leaves fans outraged over Newcastle equaliser against Birmingham - a day after Man Utd score offside winner vs Leicester

A day after Harry Maguire's late winner against Leicester City stirred controversy, Joe Willock's equaliser for Newcastle in the first half against Birmingham prompted further anger at the lack of VAR and goalline technology in the initial rounds of the FA Cup. Willock's effort, making it 1-1, was saved by the Birmingham goalkeeper but the assistant referee signalled that the ball had crossed the line, though many took to social media to voice their outrage. The visitors took the lead briefly as Callum Wilson netted a second goal but Tomoki Iawak restored parity for the Blues just minutes before the break.

Willock's equaliser left the fans fuming on social media as they slammed the FA for not using the technology throughout the tournament.

An X handle named Clark Kent wrote: "The FA Cup is a mess of a competition. VAR in some rounds but not others. Goalline technology in some games but not others. Goalline technology is a game that has no VAR?"

Gooner_CC wrote: "I understand that there's no VAR, but are you telling me goal line technology is not a standard in English football?? Not saying the whole ball didn't cross the line, but some confirmation would be nice."

Vince wrote: "Is goalline technology that difficult or complicated to use at this stage of the FA Cup. I find it weird that there is no goalline technology. I understand no VAR, but goalline technology, I don't understand."

A fan named JP the match officials as the post read: "Referees in this country are f*cking terrible. That's borderline corrupt. Not even close to being over the line. Utterly f*cking disgraceful."

Famous United fan Mark Goldbridge wrote: "That is so dodgy on Birmingham that. Linesman no way can see that is over the line. Pure guesswork."

Adam Savva wrote: "The whole ball is NOT over the line. That is disgusting officiating."

Arun wrote: "FA Cup is being played in the 20th century lmao....they don't even have goalline technology."

The early rounds of the FA Cup are not equipped with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) as many lower-tier clubs lack the resources required for the system to be properly implemented. However, the system will be available when the FA Cup fifth round begins.

After facing Birmingham on Saturday, Eddie Howe's side will be back in action in the Premier League next weekend as they take on reigning champions Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on February 15.