Manchester United’s Goal Controversy Highlights Handball Law Confusion
The complexities of the handball law emerged once more as Harry Maguire netted what initially seemed to be a pivotal goal for Manchester United during their match against Ipswich Town. Maguire’s shot followed a deflection, raising questions among fans and officials alike.
In the build-up to the goal, the ball struck the arm of United’s defender, and then he pushed forward into the box, where his shot was redirected into the net off Jacob Greaves. This led many to believe that the goal would be ruled out due to the handball rule, which typically disallows any goal scored following a handball by the player who struck the ball.
However, it was revealed that Maguire did not score; instead, it was officially recognized as an own goal by Greaves. According to the regulations, there are exceptions wherein an accidental handball by the scorer does not count against the team if the resulting goal comes from a teammate or results from an own goal caused by a defender’s action.
The video assistant referee (VAR), Jarred Gillett, confirmed the decision to referee Craig Pawson, stating, “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.” Had there been an indication of deliberate handball from Maguire, the goal would have likely been disallowed.
Ultimately, Manchester United triumphed over Ipswich Town with a score of 5-2, bolstered by a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes.
This scenario mirrors another incident from January 2023, where Brentford’s goal against Liverpool also raised eyebrows. In that case, Ben Mee’s accidental handball led to a ball that was not heading towards the goal but ended up being deflected by Ibrahima Konate for an own goal.
Following the match, Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil expressed his frustrations to Sky Sports, stating that it is “tough for a referee” to navigate what he described as a “complicated rule.” Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson echoed this sentiment on BBC Radio 5 Live, acknowledging the challenges faced by the VAR officials while also noting the complexities of the law.
Robinson commented, “Once again we are victims of the law… They train extremely hard, they learn their profession, but it was a handball, and Harry Maguire struck the shot.” He remarked on the frequency with which handball regulations have changed over time.
Former Ipswich player and Sky Sports pundit Darren Bent put forward his understanding of the situation, stating, “It’s one of those rules where I understand because it’s there in black and white, but it still doesn’t feel right.” He referred to how Maguire directly impacted the outcome, indicating that the handball incident left a bitter feeling for Ipswich at a crucial moment in the match.
The handball law often serves to confuse supporters – and it reared its head again as Harry Maguire celebrated putting Manchester United in front against Ipswich Town.
The ball came off the United defender’s arm, before he then moved a few yards forward into the box and his shot found its way into the back of the net.
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Surely the goal would be ruled out. After all, any handball by the scorer means the goal must be disallowed.
Apart from one very important point – Maguire did not actually score the goal.
Maguire’s effort was going well wide, and deflected into the back of the net off Jacob Greaves. It was officially an own goal.
There are three exemptions for when accidental handball by the scorer does not count:
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Goal scored by a team-mate
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Action of a defender results in an own goal
The video assistant referee Jarred Gillett said to referee Craig Pawson: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”
Indeed, the goal could have been disallowed had the VAR felt it was deliberate handball by Maguire.
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Manchester United went on to win the game 5-2 thanks to a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.
It is rare but we saw a similar situation in January 2023 with a goal for Brentford against Liverpool.
The ball accidentally came off the arm of Ben Mee and ended up in the back of the net, but it was not going towards goal and deflected off Ibrahima Konate for an own goal.
‘Once again we are victims of the law’
Ipswich boss Gary O’Neil told Sky Sports that it is “tough for a referee” to judge on what is a “complicated rule”.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, also had some sympathy for the officials.
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“Once again we are victims of the law,” said Robinson. “You can’t criticise the VAR officials because they are enforcing the law that they are given.
“They train extremely hard, they learn their profession but it was a handball and Harry Maguire who struck the shot.
“Thankfully that wasn’t a game-defining goal. How many times has the handball law been changed?”
Ex-Ipswich forward and Sky Sports pundit Darren Bent added: “It’s one of those rules where I understand because it’s there in black and white, but it still doesn’t feel right.
“Harry Maguire directly impacts what happens to the ball and it ends up in the back of the net at a crucial time for Ipswich. If it hits your hand and he is the one that directly impacts it, it’s not a nice one to take.”
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