Premier League sides have been warned that there could be another change to the handball law next season following Harry Maguire's controversial goal for Manchester United against Ipswich Town. United emerged as 5-2 winners over the Tractor Boys, but the goal that gave United the lead came with a fair amount of protest from the away side.
Controversial goal in the 57th minute
With the score at 1-1, Maguire had a shot on goal in the 57th minute. It deflected off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves and past goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. But replays showed the ball hitting Maguire's hand before he took the shot.
It led Ipswich players and fans to demand that the goal be ruled out. It was, however, allowed to stand after a VAR review, due to Maguire not directly being the goalscorer.
Rule under scrutiny
Had Maguire directly benefited from the handball and found the net himself, Ipswich would have been awarded a free-kick. As he was not, United were handed a second goal and seized the lead for the first time in the match.
However, former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd now believes the rule will be amended and that such a goal would be ruled out under new regulations he claims will be introduced for next season.
"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."
Referee backs the decision
Meanwhile, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in with his assessment, siding with referee Craig Pawson and VAR in their ruling that the goal should stand.
"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 proved pivotal for Michael Carrick's side in the big win. Bryan Mbeumo netted the remaining goal for the Reds as they recovered from the opening weekend setback at Hull City.
