Bolton manager Gary Megson described as "nonsense" the penalty decision that saw Manchester United break the deadlock on their way to a 2-0 victory.
"The decision is an absolute howler," said Megson after referee Rob Styles gave a penalty despite Jlloyd Samuel's tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo being fair.
Bolton had managed to keep the champions at bay until the 60th minute.
"It was an absolute nonsense. I don't think anyone in the ground thought it was an actual penalty," said Megson.
"We thought that Ronaldo was going to get booked for diving, which would have been strong, but to give a penalty was a complete surprise - it was an absolute nonsense decision.
"He's played the ball, it's not even close, and Cristiano's fallen over his leg."
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Megson conceded that Bolton would still have had to work hard to get something from the game even without the penalty but said the decision forced him to change tactics and go for an equaliser.
"OK, you can say United had all the possession - we knew they would - but before the penalty we had the best opportunity."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson agreed that it was a poor decision but argued that his side have been denied clear penalties by referee Styles in the past.
"I was surprised because it looked as though their lad got a foot on the ball," said Ferguson.
"But Rob Styles turned us down four or five times last year so maybe it is payback time. But he still owes us another four."
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