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Decisions explained: Why Harry Maguire’s goal was allowed to stand despite clear handball as bizarre rule explained
With the score locked at 1-1 early in the second half a huge moment arrived for Manchester United against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, and a big decision needs some explaining as it will be deemed by many as being extremely controversial.
But it was a decision made correctly given the rules which have to be followed.
What happened?
The ball was cleared by Ipswich’s Chuba Akpom against Harry Maguire’s raised arms on the edge of the box and clearly hit Maguire’s hand.
Played continued as nothing was given by referee Craig Pawson on the pitch.
Maguire went on to smash a shot towards goal which deflected off of Jacob Greaves and went in to put United 2-1 up.
Why did Harry Maguire’s goal stand for Manchester United?
VAR checked the goal and essentially because Maguire’s effort was off target and then hit Greaves last before going in, the ruling of ‘accidental handball’ was not punished and the goal stood.
So, if Maguire’s shot had been on target and gone straight in without touching anybody else, the goal would have been ruled out.
Here’s the incident and goal at the center of all this.
Premier League statement, VAR ruling on Manchester United’s second goal vs Ipswich
“The referee’s call of goal for Manchester United was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Maguire was not the immediate goalscorer after an accidental handball.
“VAR: ‘It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.’
Analysing the specific handball rules
The laws of the game state that a player commits an offence if they score in the opponents’ goal directly from their hand or arm, or immediately after the ball has touched their hand or arm.
However, there are mitigating factors that allowed the goal to stand. The rules clarify exceptions when the goal is not immediate, is scored by a teammate, or results in an own goal. The specific wording outlines that it is not an offence if the “Ball not entering goal; however action of a defender results in an ‘own goal’”. Gary Neville admitted the rule would need to be looked at following the incident.
Moving forward for Manchester United
Manchester United have now built crucial momentum with this commanding victory, largely fueled by Bruno Fernandes completing his hat-trick and Bryan Mbeumo adding a fifth. The club will look to carry this attacking form into their upcoming Champions League league phase fixtures. Meanwhile, refereeing bodies might face further pressure from clubs to review the phrasing of the accidental handball rule ahead of next week’s matches
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