Burst pride - Sven left deflated as balloons put end to Cup hopes - Sport

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For the first time since 1957 there are no fourthround replays and City's chances went pop yesterday when Bryan Robson's Sheffield United scored a controversial opener in their 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.

Spot the ball: Shelton gets it right to score past Joe Hart and Michael Ball

Luton Shelton's tap-in came after Michael Ball mis-kicked in an area filled with balloons released, ironically, by visiting fans honouring cult hero Elano with the slogan 2It's just like watching Brazil". City boss Eriksson said: 'It is a very strange goal because the ball changed direction. Two balloons made a one-two with Michael Ball. I have never seen a goal like that.

"We asked the fourth official twice to tell the ref to stop the match and clear it. I think the ref told our goalkeeper Joe Hart that when the ball is in the other half of the pitch he should clear it but you should not ask a player to clear the pitch when the ball is live."

Jon Stead put Championship strugglers United 2-0 up before Daniel Sturridge replied in the second half but Eriksson conceded: "It would be stupid of us to say we lost because of the balloons."

City's mood worsened when it was revealed that £1,000 worth of goods had been stolen from their dressing room.

Under-pressure United manager Robson admitted: "We had a stroke of luck with the first goal but so much has been going against us recently in the Championship. It was a strange goal but we deserved the luck.

2They paid the price. Normally goalkeepers like the area cleared and fortunately for us they didn't. The way the players performed we deserved to go through.

"Now let's hope two of the big four draw each other. Would I like to play Manchester United? Maybe we'll save that for the semi-final."