Man Utd’s second goal vs Ipswich was allowed to stand despite the ball appearing to hit Harry Maguire’s hand.
Harry Maguire’s controversial handball in the lead-up to Manchester United’s second goal against Ipswich could lead to another rule change next summer, it has been warned. United had to come from behind to beat the newly-promoted side 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Tractor Boys took the lead through Leif Davis, with Bruno Fernandes equalising just before half-time. Not long after the break, Maguire’s shot took a deflection off defender Jacob Greaves and into the net to put United 2-1 up.
But replays showed that the former England man had handled the ball before taking the shot. This prompted Ipswich players and supporters to call for the goal to be chalked off.
Nevertheless, it was permitted to stand following a VAR examination, as Maguire was not the direct scorer, due to his initial shot being off target.
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Had Maguire directly profited from the handball and netted himself, Ipswich would have been granted a free-kick. Since he did not, United were gifted a second goal and took the initiative for the first time in the encounter.
Nevertheless, former Premier League forward Jay Bothroyd now anticipates the rules will be modified and that such a goal would be disallowed under fresh regulations.
“They got the decision right because it’s in the rule,” Bothroyd told Sky Sports. “But the rule is rubbish. At the end of the day, it’s a handball and a goal came because of it. That is unfair.
“Maguire’s handled the ball, it’s not intentional as his hands are up there. But as soon as it falls to him and he has the shot and it goes in via a deflection, it should be brought back. Because that goal doesn’t happen if it doesn’t hit his hands. It’s a poor rule because Man Utd have benefited from it the same way as if Maguire had scored.
“The decision is 100% right. But the rule is wrong. It will 100% be changed by next season.”
Meanwhile, ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher offered his viewpoint, agreeing with referee Craig Pawson and VAR that the goal was right to be allowed.
“It’s definitely the right decision. it strikes his hand, but striking his hand isn’t an offence in itself,” Gallagher said. “It has to be deliberate or lead to a goal scored by himself.
“It strikes Maguire’s hand, he shoots, it’s going wide and hits Greaves, so it becomes an own goal. So through no fault of the referee or VAR, they have to give the goal. It’s always been the rule. It was changed a few years ago. It’s clearly an own goal and it’s covered in law.
“It’s accidental handball. It’s unfortunate for Ipswich but it’s ironic that we’re debating the decision. The only thing to debate is whether you like the rule or not.”
Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick was key in Michael Carrick’s side’s resounding victory. Bryan Mbeumo bagged the remaining goal for the Reds as they bounced back from their initial weekend defeat at Hull City.