A controversial Harry Maguire “handball” moment sparked fresh debate over the handball law after Manchester United’s go-ahead goal against Ipswich Town was allowed to stand, even though replays showed the ball striking the defender’s arm in the build-up.
What Actually Happened in the Build-Up?
The incident occurred with United trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford. Maguire received the ball just outside the box, and as he attempted to control it, the ball struck his arm. He then took a couple of steps forward and fired a shot that looked destined to sail wide, until it deflected off Ipswich centre-back Jacob Greaves and into the net.
On first glance, many assumed the goal would be ruled out under the rule that disallows a goal if the scorer handles the ball. But there was a crucial technicality: Maguire was not the official goalscorer. The strike was recorded as an own goal by Greaves.
The Handball Law Exemption That Applied
Under IFAB and Premier League guidelines, an accidental handball by an attacker does not automatically cancel a goal if one of three exemptions applies:
- The goal is not immediate after the handball
- The goal is scored by a team-mate, not the player who handled the ball
- A defender’s action results in an own goal, even if the attacker handled it accidentally
In this case, the third exemption applied. VAR Jarred Gillett told on-field referee Craig Pawson: “It’s an own goal and the accidental handball is not punishable, so we recommend you award the goal.”
Had the VAR judged Maguire’s contact to be deliberate handball, the goal would have been disallowed regardless of the deflection. But the review concluded it was accidental, and because Maguire’s shot was off target before Greaves’ touch, the goal stood.
Precedent: Ben Mee vs Liverpool
This is not the first time the rule has produced a head-scratching outcome. In January 2023, Brentford’s Ben Mee accidentally handled the ball in the box against Liverpool. His effort was not going in, but it deflected off Ibrahima Konate for an own goal and, just like with Maguire, the goal was allowed to stand under the same exemption.
Reactions: “Victims of the Law”
Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil told Sky Sports that the situation is “tough for a referee” given how “complicated” the handball rule has become. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, echoed that sentiment: “Once again we are victims of the law… They train extremely hard, they learn their profession but it was a handball and Harry Maguire who struck the shot.”
Ex-Ipswich striker and pundit Darren Bent added on Sky: “It’s one of those rules where I understand because it’s there in black and white, but it still doesn’t feel right. Harry Maguire directly impacts what happens to the ball and it ends up in the back of the net at a crucial time for Ipswich.”
Bigger Picture: United’s 5-2 Win
The decision proved pivotal as United went on to secure a 5-2 victory, with Bruno Fernandes netting a hat-trick after the equaliser. While the Maguire incident dominated post-match discussion, the result ultimately hinged on United’s attacking output rather than one controversial call.
