Matheus Cunha scored to put Manchester United back in the lead against Nottingham Forest, with his goal being upheld after a lengthy VAR review regarding a potential handball by Bryan Mbeumo.
Cunha responded quickly to slot in after Mbeumo’s shot was deflected in the Forest penalty area, although Nottingham immediately protested the circumstances of the goal.
It appeared that Mbeumo handled the ball with his arm and hip as he set up the opportunity, prompting VAR referee Matthew Donohue to closely analyze the footage.
The goal was upheld after a lengthy VAR review (Getty)
After an extensive review, Donohue suggested that referee Michael Salisbury review the situation on the pitchside monitor.
Initially, it appeared as though the goal might be disallowed, but after a brief review, Salisbury decided to let it stand, determining that Mbeumo’s touch was inadvertent.
Salisbury announced, “After my review, the goal stands since the handball was unintentional. So the final decision is a goal.”
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville expressed disbelief at the ruling.
“This is an absolute outrage in every aspect,” Neville declared. “It’s absurd. The VAR was quite definitive, stating the goal was disallowed due to the handball that brought the ball back into play. I can hardly believe what I’ve just witnessed.”
“The VAR reviewed it for three minutes, and then the referee spent another minute on it. They have overcomplicated this. It’s a real mess.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer concurred with Neville’s sentiments.
“Incredible. That’s outrageous,” he commented on X, formerly known as Twitter. “That’s a CLEAR handball.”
The goal turned out to be pivotal as Manchester United went on to secure a 3-2 victory, with Mbeumo extending their lead shortly after the controversial goal. Along the way, Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League assist record with his 20th assist of the season.