Ipswich manager speaks candidly after heavy Premier League defeat to Man United.
Unfavorable rule! Ipswich manager clearly stated that Man United's second goal should have been disallowed after the ball hit Harry Maguire's hand.
The controversy immediately arose from the incident where Harry Maguire, defender of Manchester United, handled the ball before scoring, putting United ahead 2-1 against Ipswich in the Premier League match that United won 5-2 last night.
The incident occurred in the 57th minute. It appeared the ball struck Maguire's hand as he challenged for it near the penalty area before deflecting off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves into the net. Ipswich players were very upset and felt the goal should have been disallowed. Ipswich manager Gary O'Neil shared that view but admitted the rules were unfavorable.
O'Neil said, "It's a very difficult rule to apply. Maguire's shot missed the target by quite a bit, but if it had gone near the post and it was too close to tell? It doesn't feel like a goal. It feels like it should have been disallowed, but we accept that's not how the rules work."
"To beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, you need some luck on your side, but that wasn't the case. The rules may not be in your favor, or the ball may take a deflection. Many things can happen in a game beyond your control. It's a complicated rule."
Meanwhile, the Premier League explained that because Maguire was not the direct goal scorer, that is why the goal stood. Conversely, if Maguire had directly benefited from the handball and scored himself, Ipswich would have been awarded a free kick. "The referee's decision to award the goal to Manchester United was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which concluded Maguire was not the direct scorer after an unintentional handball."
VAR added, "This was an own goal. Unintentional handball is not an offense. Therefore, we recommend confirming the goal."