Crystal Palace’s second goal against Nottingham Forest has prompted a debate over whether it should have been disallowed for handball.
Jefferson Lerma headed the ball through Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels from a corner shortly before half-time. Replays appeared to show the effort brushing the elbow of Palace team-mate Anan Khalaili on its way into the net.
BBC football issues correspondent Dale Johnson said Forest boss Oliver Glasner may question the decision, because the laws do not allow a goal to stand if the ball touches an attacking player’s arm before it is scored. However, VAR decided there was not conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.
The incident is particularly frustrating for Forest given that Neco Williams previously had a goal ruled out for handball against Tottenham after bundling the ball over the line. Johnson said the evidence involving Khalaili could be considered clearer than that in the Williams incident, leaving Forest on the wrong side of both decisions.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also felt the available replays appeared to show Lerma’s header coming off Khalaili’s arm. However, he added that VAR officials cannot spend an extended period reaching a decision and must support the on-field call when there is no clear and indisputable evidence immediately available.
