Smalling concedes controversial penalty for Roma after ball strikes his face

Manchester United loanee Chris Smalling has admitted his disbelief at conceding a costly 92nd-minute penalty for Roma on Thursday for handball - even though the ball hit his face.

Smalling is on loan from United in Italy this season, and has forced his way into the starting XI after a period of getting match fit at the start of his spell. He has started five of the last six games, helping Roma to a five match unbeaten run.

The former England defender was featuring in the Europa League against Borussia Monchengladbach, and was set to enjoy an important three points after Nicolo Zaniola had given Roma a first half lead.

But deep into stoppage time, a Monchengladbach free kick was sent into the Roma box and an attacking header hit Smalling in the face before being cleared.

The incident seemed innocuous, but the referee immediately pointed to the spot, prompting disbelief from the Roma players who had clearly seen the ball hit Smalling's face.

Smalling was given a yellow card for the supposed handball, and Lars Stindl converted the spot kick in the 95th minute to send the Germans home with an unlikely point.

After the game, Smalling tweeted: "Disbelief that this decision went against us... We deserved the 3 points, so disappointed...

Roma remain top of their Europa League group, but sit only a point ahead of Instanbul Basaksehir rather than three thanks to the controversial decision.