The handball law often confuses supporters, and it came under scrutiny again as Harry Maguire celebrated putting Manchester United ahead against Ipswich Town.
The ball struck the United defender's arm before he moved forward and shot towards the net. While any deliberate or accidental handball by a goalscorer usually results in the goal being disallowed, an important exemption applied here.
Maguire's shot was actually going wide and deflected into the net off Jacob Greaves, meaning it was officially recorded as an own goal. Video assistant referee Jarred Gillett advised referee Craig Pawson to award the goal because accidental handball is not punishable on an own goal.
Manchester United ultimately won the match 5-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Bruno Fernandes. Similar rare incidents have occurred previously, such as for Brentford against Liverpool in January 2023.
Pundits and former players expressed mixed feelings about the strict interpretation of the rule, with Darren Bent noting that Maguire directly impacted the play even though it officially went down as an own goal.
