Nottingham Forest were left frustrated after a controversial VAR decision in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, with former referee Dermot Gallagher insisting Bryan Mbeumo's handball in the build-up to Matheus Cunha's goal should have led to it being disallowed.
Controversial goal at Old Trafford
Forest twice equalised at Old Trafford but ultimately fell to defeat, a result made more painful by the controversy surrounding United's second goal. Referee Michael Salisbury was instructed by VAR to review the incident after initially recommending the goal be disallowed, but he upheld his original decision, deeming Mbeumo's action accidental.
Now, Gallagher has stated that Salisbury should have followed the VAR's advice. The former official believes Salisbury was misled by the ball also striking another part of Mbeumo's body, but argued there was no doubt that the player controlled the ball with his hand.
Gallagher analysis
"I think it should be disallowed. It should be handball," Gallagher said on Ref Watch. "I think Michael gets seduced by this directive that if it comes off your body and strikes your arm, it's accidental, carry on. I think if your arm is out there."
He added: "I get it, hits his hip, strikes his arm. It does strike his thigh, no doubt about that. He almost cushions the ball. It creates that opportunity."
Gallagher continued: "If you listen to VAR, it's clear, I think it's a handball offence. I think he's controlled it with his hand; he sends him to the screen, he does everything he can do, then it's Michael Salisbury's choice."
"VAR Matt Donohue has done everything to say, 'look here's your opportunity to have a look' but he had a look and said no."
Gallagher further explained: "This comes down to, do you think this is accidental? Is there enough evidence to say that the player gained a massive advantage by what he did? I actually think his arm comes in, and that's what cushions the ball. I think it gets trapped. If you look, there's a period where the ball is stationary in his body."
Neville's reaction
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, on commentary duty, was scathing in his assessment. "That is a shocker in every way," Neville said. "Honestly, that is ridiculous. The VAR has been clear: the player has handballed it. He looked at it for three minutes and the referee has looked at it for another minute. I can't believe what I have just seen."
He added: "There will be nobody watching that game who plays football or who watches football who will think that goal should have been awarded. It feels obvious to disallow. He (Mbeumo) almost wedged the ball under his arm."
