Manchester United were handed a major reprieve during their Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Boxing Day, after a controversial handball incident involving defender Lisandro Martinez went unpunished.
The Controversial Incident
The pivotal moment occurred in the Manchester United penalty area. Newcastle defender Fabian Schar saw his goal-bound shot blocked by the arm of Lisandro Martinez, whose hand was raised above his head. The immediate reaction from the Newcastle players and fans was a loud appeal for a penalty.
However, referee Anthony Taylor waved away the appeals, and the decision was then subjected to a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After a lengthy check, the on-field decision was upheld, and no penalty was awarded.
The Explanation Behind the Decision
The key factor in the decision, as explained by both the officials and match commentators, was the context of Martinez's physical battle with Newcastle centre-forward Malick Thiaw. The defender was deemed to be in a wrestling match with Thiaw, which positioned his arms.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville analysed the incident in real-time. "Schar hits it, his [Martinez's] arm is up above his head and it's stretched," Neville said. "Is it because he's pushing Thiaw? That might just save him. He's actually wrestling with the other Newcastle centre-back; his arms are already there."
He added, "If Thiaw is anywhere near him that's definitely a penalty. I think the fact he has just had a wrestle with the other centre-back might just save him. The context is because he is fighting with another player and his arms are already up."
Official Verdict and Reaction
Commentator Peter Drury relayed the official reasoning from Stockley Park. "They are calling it mutual contact between Martinez and Thiaw," Drury stated. "And that is essentially the explanation for the fact that there won't be a penalty."
The decision proved to be a critical moment in the match, leaving Newcastle United frustrated after a strong penalty shout was dismissed. For Manchester United, it was a significant let-off that allowed them to maintain their defensive shape without conceding from the spot.
The incident on 26 December 2025 is sure to fuel further debate around the consistency and interpretation of the handball law, particularly in situations involving grappling between players in the penalty area.
