DBasia.news – Controversy colored Manchester United’s defeat to Middlesbrough in the 2021-2022 FA Cup. Many parties questioned the reason for The Boro’s goal being approved even though it was considered a handball.
In the match which took place at Old Trafford, Saturday (5/2) morning WIB, Manchester United and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 until the extra time round ended. The Red Devils finally had to be eliminated via a penalty shootout with a score of 7-8.
Manchester United actually completely dominated the game, especially in the first half. The hosts opened the scoring in the 25th minute through Jadon Sancho kick.
Manchester United had many other opportunities to score additional goals. However, the poor finishing of Cristiano Ronaldo and his team made the long-awaited second goal never arrived.
Middlesbrough actually managed to steal a goal through a counter-attack in the 64th minute. Matt Crooks listed his name on the scoreboard after completing Duncan Watmore’s pass.
But this goal was met with strong protests from the Manchester United players. They accused Watmore of handballing before releasing the ball.
From the VAR footage, it was clear the ball had hit Watmore’s hand. But Anthony Taylor as the referee on duty surprisingly still approved the goal.
Duncan Watmore’s handball moment happened before Middlesbrough’s goal was created.
Taylor argued that what Watmore did was unintentionally. According to the latest rules published by IFAB in 2021, it was not considered a handball.
“A player is considered to have done a handball if he intentionally touches and moves his hand or arm towards the ball.” the rules issued by IFAB.
In fact, the moment the ball hits someone’s hand accidentally, iy can also be considered a handball in this new rule. This applies if the ball goes straight into the goal.
While what Watmore did did not immediately make the ball go into the goal. He provided feedback to Crooks who was at the far post.
Rangnick’s Response
The referee’s decision to still approve Middlesbrough’s goal certainly made Ralf Rangnick as Manchester United’s internal manager disappointed. He questioned the line between intentional and unintentional that Taylor described.
“How can it be considered unintentional if he controls the ball in the air with his hands? Obviously the goal should not have been conceded but in the end I was really surprised,” Rangnick told ITV.
“By the time they scored it was clear that VAR would not allow this goal to be legal.”
Middlesbrough manager, Chris Wilder also gave a surprised response. He admitted that he had believed his team’s goals would be disallowed after seeing replays.
“Decisions made through VAR have changed since I left the Premier League. I immediately thought it was a handball and would be disallowed,” stated Wilder.