Middlesbrough scored a controversial goal against Manchester United in the 2021-2022 FA Cup round of 32 match, Saturday (5/2/2022). Apparently, the goal involving the handball incident was indeed legal according to the latest regulations applied in English football competition.
The incident occurred in the 64th minute, when Matt Crooks changed the position to make it 1-1. His goal against the Red Devils – the nickname of Manchester United – replied to Jadon Sancho’s goal in the first half. However, in the process of the birth of the goal there was a moment that could be considered controversial.
The reason, Duncan Watmore who provided assists to Crooks looks in handball condition. The ball he controlled with his thigh was clearly bouncing off his hand, just before he fired a cross to Crooks.
However, after seeing the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) broadcast, referee Anthony Taylor still approved the goal. Because, Watmore is considered to have accidentally touched the ball with his hands and he is not a goalscorer.
Although it looks controversial, it turns out that the referee’s decision is very right. This is due to changes in handball regulations this season by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), as the governing body in football.
In the latest regulations, two things have been changed. First, regarding the interpretation of whether a player intentionally or unintentionally touches the ball with his hands.
“The first change centres on the interpretation of what is meant by intentional handball action. Referees will now seek deliberate action on behalf of players, with emphasis on whether the hand or arm is in a natural position or not,” the Premier League said in a statement at the start of the 2021-2022 season, quoted from their official website, Saturday (5/2//). 2022).
Second, if there is an accidental handball by another player of the attacking team before the goal is scored, the goal will still be awarded. However, it would be a different interpretation, if the player who did the handball scored a goal.
Manchetser United players look down after losing to Middlesbrough (Photo: Reuters) “If an attacking team player’s handball was inadvertently before another player scored, the goal would now be awarded. When last season will most likely be annulled. However, a player will still be penalised if the player makes an unintentional handball, but immediately scores a goal for himself.”
In the case of the Crooks goal, Watmore was the feeder. The handball is deemed to have been done by accident. As a result, the goal was still approved by the referee.
He thought the referee’s decision was correct. But, according to him the current handball rules are very strange and ridiculous. “The right decision has been made given the peculiarities of the existing regulations.
Obviously unintentional but if he scores a goal for himself it will be disallowed,” Lineker tweeted on his Twitter, @GaryLineker, Saturday (5/2/2022). “The handball rules used to be fine. They are now making it ridiculous,” he said.
The match itself was ultimately won by Middlesbrough on penalties (8-7). Previously, during the 120 minutes of the game running, Manchester United and Middlesbrough shared the points (1-1). The result forced Manchester United out of the 2021-2022 FA Cup. (HTH)
