Man United fans were understandably shocked to see Middlesbrough’s equalizer in their FA Cup win being given despite there being a clear hand-ball in the build-up to the goal.
Boro striker Duncan Watmore controlled a cross with his arm before playing it to Matt Crooks for his equalizer in the second half.
VAR checked it and even allowed it, deeming it as ‘accidental handball’ and fans were left questioning why it wasn’t ruled out.
This is because of a change being ushered in this season when it comes to handballs leading up to goals.
The Premier League rules state: “If an attacking player’s accidental handball immediately precedes another player scoring, the goal will be awarded, when last season it was likely to have been ruled out.”
So as per this new confusing rule, because Watmore didn’t score himself, the goal was allowed. The FA Cup obviously follows PL rules as well, which is why this was allowed to happen.
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