Another handball 'mess' - is it time to change law?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Another handball 'mess' - is it time to change law? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, United's 3-2 win sealed a third-place finish in the Premier LeagueByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished21 minutes agoIf there is one thing in the modern game that is guaranteed to confuse it is the handball law. And at Old Trafford on Sunday we were presented with the latest example of a decision which has left supported scratching their heads.

The ball hit the arm of Bryan Mbeumo, who saw his shot blocked before it ran to Matheus Cunha to score Manchester United's second goal in their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. United's celebrations were muted as Forest's players complained to referee Michael Sailisbury. Everyone seemed to expect that the goal would be ruled out.

Match Details

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was adamant the video assistant referee (VAR) Matt Donohue should intervene and send the referee to the monitor. Neville got his way, but the review would not end the way he thought it would. Sailisbury did what referees have now done only 17 times in seven seasons - he stuck with his on-field decision and awarded the goal.

"I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way," Neville said. The VAR have been quite clear, they said it has to be disallowed. He has handballed it and brought the ball back into play.

"I can't believe what I have just seen to be honest. "VAR looked at it for three minutes and then the referee looks at it for another minute. They are overthinking it.

Reactions and Expectations

They have got themselves into a real mess there. "Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said the implementation of the current handball rule has left ex-professionals "scratching ourselves" confused. "We are confused ourselves," said Keane.

"Ex footballers will all be saying handball and no one would complain about it. "Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann described it as a "penalisable handball" and believes it could be time to return to a simpler law - while Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira called for meeting to explain the laws. 'You can clearly see that the ball comes off Mbeumo's arm'There is a question to consider.

Mbeumo's arm is in expected position and not extended away from the body. There was a deflection off the hip onto the arm, too, so would you expect this to be a penalty if it were a Forest defender? Absolutely not in the Premier League, but football does seem to have a different expectation when it comes to an attacking move and it is unlikely public opinion will be on Salisbury's side.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.