Maguire’s handball ruled accidental as United beat Ipswich 5-2
A VAR review confirmed Harry Maguire's accidental handball did not invalidate the own‑goal, allowing Manchester United to keep a 5‑2 lead over Ipswich, with Bruno Fernandes netting a hat‑trick.
Harry Maguire’s arm brushed the ball before he moved forward into the penalty area, and the subsequent shot ricocheted off Jacob Greaves into the net. The incident was immediately reviewed by VAR, and Jarred Gillett advised referee Craig Pawson that the strike should stand as an own goal, not a disallowed scorer’s goal.
Under the current handball law, an accidental handball by the player who would otherwise be credited with the goal is exempt from punishment if it does not constitute a deliberate act. Gillett confirmed that the handball was accidental and recommended the goal be awarded, a decision echoed in the match report titled Maguire’s handball not penalised as United keep Ipswich lead. Had the VAR judged the contact to be intentional, the goal would have been ruled out.
Manchester United eventually triumphed 5‑2, propelled by a Bruno Fernandes hat‑trick. The situation recalled a similar episode in January 2023 when Ben Mee’s accidental handball against Liverpool resulted in an own goal after the ball deflected off Ibrahima Konaté. Post‑match, Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil described the rule as “tough for a referee to judge,” while former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted that officials were merely enforcing the law. Ex‑Ipswich striker Darren Bent added that, despite the black‑and‑white wording, the outcome felt unsatisfactory.
The episode highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the handball rule’s complexity and its impact on decisive moments in Premier League matches.
