Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher says Manchester United’s second goal in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest should have been canceled after a handball from Brian Mbeumo.
After Mbeumo’s first shot was blocked, Matheus Cunha steered home and appeared to process a cross into the area as it came in. VAR recommended the goal be ruled out, but referee Michael Salisbury overturned that decision after a field review.
Appearing on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said the United forward cushioned the ball with his arm and gained an advantage.
“I think it should be banned,” Gallagher said.
“I think it’s a handball. I think Michael (Salisbury) was seduced by the instruction that if the ball goes off his body and hits his arm, it’s an accident, keep playing.”
“But when you look at this, it’s completely different. I think VAR tried to guide him on this. He did the best he could.”
“Mbeumo has his arm out at the end of the game, but then his arm goes in. I think he traps the ball between his arm and his thigh.
“I think the ball hit his thigh, that’s for sure, but the ball didn’t fly up and hit his body. It almost cushioned the ball and created a chance for Mbeumo.”
“At that point, I listened to VAR and I think he clearly said, ‘I think there’s a handball foul.’
“I think he took control of it and put him on the screen and did everything he could, and that’s Michael’s choice.
“At the end of the day, do you think this is a coincidence? Is there enough evidence to say that the player gained a significant advantage by his actions?
“I actually think his arm comes in and it cushions the ball.
“I think he got trapped. If you look closely, there was a time when the ball stopped inside his body.”
Neville: ‘Shocking decision’ in every sense of the word
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Sky Sports’ Gary Neville is baffled after the referee scored Cunha’s controversial goal.
Gary Neville was baffled when the decision to award handball was overturned.
“It’s shocking in every sense of the word,” Neville said in co-commentary.
“Honestly, it’s ridiculous. VAR was clear. The player handballed it. He watched it for three minutes and the referee watched it for another minute. I can’t believe what I just saw.”
“I don’t think anyone playing that game or watching football would think that goal should have been awarded. It’s clear they didn’t allow it. He (Mbeumo) almost pushed the ball into his armpit.”
Pereira: Defeat against Manchester United was decided by a ‘very obvious’ handball
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Watch for free: Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira said the result was decided by a clear handball.
“Crazy game, crazy game,” Pereira told reporters. It may have been a good game for the supporters, but it was an open game for the manager.
“In the open game, especially in the second half, we allowed a lot of counter-attacks and counter-attacks were dangerous.
“But I understand the feeling of the team. They want goals. But in the end we started to lose our organization, our balance. They had chances to score. We had chances to score too, but in the end it was a shame that the game was decided by a decision. It was the referee’s decision, but it’s not my opinion so I have to accept it.”
“For me, it was a handball. It was very obvious. It’s sad that the goal wasn’t called back. For me, it was the decision that decided the game.”
Pereira also called for a meeting between referees and clubs to clarify rules and decisions.
“These are the questions we have at the moment in the Premier League regarding the decision to terminate,” he added.
“When it comes to handball, you never know when it’s handball or not.
“A block in the box during a free-kick, you never know when it’s a foul or not. I think it’s important to have a meeting with everyone and try to understand the rules and decisions, because at the moment everyone, every manager, is questioning some decisions.”
