Crystal Palace's second goal in their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest should have been ruled out for handball by the referee, according to the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel. However, the panel unanimously backed the decision not to overturn the goal through VAR.
The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time with the match level at 1-1. Jefferson Lerma appeared to head the ball through Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels, but later television analysis showed that it had deflected off team-mate Anan Khalaili's elbow before crossing the line.
That meant the goal was technically attributed to Khalaili, who could not legally score with his arm. The contact was not identified in the initial replays available during the match and only became clear during the half-time analysis.
The KMI Panel voted 3-2 that referee Peter Bankes had made an on-field error by allowing the goal to stand. It was unanimous, however, that VAR Darren England was correct not to intervene because the footage available to him did not provide conclusive evidence of handball.
The decision will be frustrating for Forest, who had a Neco Williams goal ruled out for handball by VAR during their goalless draw with Tottenham. The panel unanimously supported that decision, while Bankes was working as the video assistant referee for that match.
