Maguire's accidental handball not penalized as own goal stands
Harry Maguire's shot deflected off Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves for an own goal, so the accidental handball by Maguire did not disqualify the goal. The VAR confirmed the goal because the handball was not deliberate and the goal was scored by an opponent. Manchester United went on to win 5-2.
The goal stood because the official scorer was Ipswich’s Jacob Greaves, not Maguire. His shot was heading wide before deflecting off Greaves, and the handball law exempts accidental contact when an opponent’s action produces an own goal. VAR Jarred Gillett confirmed the decision to referee Craig Pawson, noting the handball was not deliberate. A similar precedent occurred in January 2023, when Brentford’s Ben Mee accidentally handled before a deflected own goal by Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate was allowed. Manchester United’s 5-2 win was sealed by Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick.
This ruling may reinforce fan confusion about handball’s subjective “deliberate” threshold, but it also clarifies a narrow exemption that could affect future match outcomes. Supporters and pundits may debate whether such technicalities undermine fairness, while players might adjust defensive positioning knowing accidental touches near the box can still lead to conceded goals. The decision’s impact is mostly confined to football audiences, though it could prompt broader discussion about VAR’s consistency in applying complex laws.