The referee from the weekend's clash between Manchester United and Tottenham has admitted he made a mistake in awarding a penalty.

Howard Webb pointed to the spot after Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made a challenge on Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick in the second half when scores were 2-0 to Tottenham.

The ensuing spot-kick was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo and ultimately turned the match which ended 5-2 to Manchester United.

Many though the decision was wrong and now Webb has come out and admitted his error.

"I've looked at it again and I think it was a mistake but we make these decisions honestly," Webb told BBC.

"It's not always easy to see the way the play pans out from pitch level.

"I could see the Manchester United player touch the ball and saw him get clattered by the goalkeeper but didn't see the extra deviation from the goalkeeper's fingers touching the ball.

"I'm disappointed as I always strive for perfection. I'll look at the tape in detail later in the week and try to avoid it happening again in the future.

"I never want to have a negative impact on a game and I get no pleasure from not reaching the high standards we set ourselves.

"But show me a man who's never made a mistake and I'll show you a man who's done nothing."