News Focus
- PGMOL confirms Manchester United’s goal against Nottingham Forest was illegal
- Referee Michael Salisbury ignored VAR advice to cancel the strike
- Bryan Mbeumo handled the ball before Matheus Cunha scored
- United won 3-2 after taking a 2-0 lead through the controversial goal
The referees’ body has admitted that Manchester United gained an unfair advantage during their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) contacted Forest on Monday. They confirmed that United’s second goal on Sunday ought to have been ruled out.
The incident involved United forward Bryan Mbeumo. The ball struck his arm before he attempted a shot. A defender blocked his effort. Team-mate Matheus Cunha then scored from the rebound. This put United 2-0 ahead in their 3-2 victory.
Referee Michael Salisbury made the final decision. He watched the incident on the pitchside monitor. VAR official Matt Donohue advised him to disallow the goal. However, Salisbury judged the handball as accidental. He stuck with his original decision.
Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White spoke after the match. He said the handball was obvious from his view on the pitch.
Howard Webb leads the referees’ organisation. He spoke to Forest officials to explain the mistake. Webb admitted that while some might defend the decision, the goal should not have stood. Former Premier League assistant Darren Cann supported this view. He told BBC Sport that football expects such goals to be cancelled when a player controls the ball with his arm.
This marked only the 17th time in seven seasons that a referee has rejected VAR advice at the monitor. It was also the fourth such case this campaign.