Manchester United’s controversial second goal against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford was examined by Match of the Day pundits Ellen White and Shay Given after Harry Maguire appeared to handle the ball in the build-up.
With the score level at 1-1, Maguire’s effort from the edge of the area struck Jacob Greaves and deflected into the Ipswich goal in the 56th minute. The goal was initially awarded as an own goal, prompting a lengthy review by the video assistant referee.
Despite replays appearing to show the ball hitting Maguire’s hand, referee Craig Pawson’s decision was upheld. The goal was allowed to stand because the ball was judged to have gone into the net via Greaves, rather than directly from Maguire.
Why the Harry Maguire handball goal stood
Under the current handball laws, an accidental contact with the hand or arm is an offence when the player scores directly, or scores immediately after gaining control of the ball. The restriction does not apply in the same way when the ball subsequently enters the net off an opposing player and is recorded as an own goal.
The Premier League’s VAR explanation was: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”
The ruling left Ipswich facing a 2-1 deficit and became the central talking point of Manchester United’s 5-2 victory. Bruno Fernandes went on to score a hat-trick as United pulled clear, but the unusual application of the handball law remained the focus of the post-match analysis.
