Manchester United's contentious second goal against Ipswich Town has led to claims that the handball rule will be overhauled. Former Premier League forward Jay Bothroyd said the rule will "100 per cent be changed by next season" after Harry Maguire's handball in the buildup to the goal caused major debate.
The Red Devils won 5-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, but took the lead through a Jacob Greaves own goal after the Ipswich defender deflected Maguire's strike into his own net. Maguire was seen handling the ball in the buildup, leaving the visitors furious.
Why the goal was allowed to stand
Because Maguire was not the official scorer, the goal was allowed to stand. If his effort had gone straight in without Greaves' touch, it would have been disallowed by VAR. As it was an own goal, United were credited with a second goal and took the lead for the first time in the match.
Bothroyd told Sky Sports: "They got the decision right because it's in the rule. 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."
He added: "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."
Referee and VAR decisions defended
Former referee Dermot Gallagher agreed that referee Craig Pawson and VAR were correct not to chalk off the goal. "It's definitely the right decision. It strikes his hand, but striking his hand isn't an offence in itself," Gallagher explained. "It has to be deliberate or lead to a goal scored by himself."
He continued: "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."
Gallagher added: "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."
United's victory
United emerged as winners against Ipswich with a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick proving crucial for Michael Carrick's side. Bryan Mbeumo scored the other goal as the Reds recovered from their opening weekend loss at Hull.
