The governing body for football in Europe – UEFA have found no technical error in Manchester United’s Ryan Gigg’s goal off a quickly taken free-kick against Lille in the Champions League last-16 first-leg match at Lens, and have therefore rejected the French club’s appeal and charged the home side players with improper conduct for their walkout threat.

UEFA statement said: "Having examined the official referee's report, the television evidence at hand as well as the laws of the game, the UEFA control and disciplinary body decided to reject the protest, as there was no proof of a technical error.

"As a result, the body declared that the goal was perfectly valid.

"Furthermore, the control and disciplinary body decided to instigate proceedings against Lille for the improper behaviour of their players immediately after the goal."

Lille’s response to the ruling will be known by Monday.

A statement on the club's website, (losc.fr) said: "We regret that UEFA do not wish to analyse the matter.

"The feeling of injustice is shared by all of those who love football.

"This decision can be appealed within three days. We will review our options and our chances with our legal advisers and we will make a decision on Monday."