{
  "id": 4470439,
  "title": "Why Man Utd goal was allowed to stand - despite Maguire 'handball'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/why-man-utd-goal-was-allowed-to-stand-despite-maguire-handball-4470439",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T17:38:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c62ewy19w2ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Harry Maguire's goal for Manchester United against Ipswich Town was allowed to stand despite appearing to be a handball. The law surrounding handballs often leaves supporters perplexed, but in this case, Maguire did not actually score the goal. Instead, his shot deflected off Jacob Greaves and into the back of the net. Three exceptions exist when accidental handball by the scorer does not invalidate the goal: If the video assistant referee (VAR) determines the handball was accidental and not deliberate, the goal stands. In this instance, VAR Jarred Gillett confirmed to referee Craig Pawson that it was an own goal and the handball would not be penalized. While this situation is rare, a comparable scenario occurred in January 2023 when Brentford's Ben Mee scored an own goal after the ball struck his arm and deflected into the net.",
  "summary": "The handball law often serves to confuse supporters - and it reared its head again as Harry Maguire celebrated putting Manchester United in front against Ipswich Town.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Why Man Utd goal was allowed to stand - despite Maguire 'handball'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/why-man-utd-goal-was-allowed-to-stand-despite-maguire-handball",
        "published": "2026-08-30T17:38:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Why Man Utd goal was allowed to stand - despite Maguire 'handball'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/why-man-utd-goal-was-allowed-to-stand-despite-maguire-handball-4470539",
        "published": "2026-08-30T17:52:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}