Arsenal fans are furious as Manchester United avoids a penalty despite a clear handball, with the reason still causing controversy (Video).
On 26 January 2026, a clip surfaced showing a controversial moment in the English Premier League's big match of the week, where Manchester United unexpectedly defeated league leaders Arsenal 3-2 at their home ground, marking Arsenal's first home loss of the season.
However, a contentious moment occurred in the 71st minute with the visitors leading 2-1, when Arsenal midfielder Miguel Merino's shot clearly struck the hand of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire inside the penalty area. Referee Craig Pawson, however, did not award a penalty.
This sparked a flood of frustrated comments from Arsenal fans who felt it was a clear handball inside the box but no penalty was given. Examples of comments include:
"Please explain to me why this is not handball."
"Maguire has turned into the goalkeeper now."
"Maguire clearly handled the ball but no penalty was awarded. His hand even caused the ball to bounce off the ground. Why isn't this handball?"
"Talking about players using their hands to support themselves is nonsense. This was a clear goal-scoring opportunity stopped by Maguire's hand."
The football rules on "handball" by IFAB (International Football Association Board, the football rules authority) explain why Manchester United was not penalized for handball in this incident as follows:
"Generally, handball is not considered a foul if the ball touches the player's hand/arm when it is close to the body or if the arm is used to support the body (such as being placed on the ground for balance or during a slip)."
This result leaves Arsenal with 50 points, still leading the table but with their lead over second-place Manchester City and third-place Aston Villa reduced to 4 points. Meanwhile, Manchester United has 38 points, overtaking Chelsea and Liverpool to move up to fourth place.
