Crystal Palace’s second goal in the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest should have been ruled out on the pitch for handball, according to the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel. However, the panel agreed that the video assistant referee was right not to intervene.
Palace were level at 1-1 deep into first-half stoppage time when Jefferson Lerma appeared to head the ball through Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. Replays later showed that the ball had made contact with team-mate Anan Khalaili’s elbow before entering the net, meaning the goal was technically attributed to Khalaili and could not stand under the handball laws.
The contact was not identified in the initial replays and only became clear during television analysis at half-time. Palace ultimately secured a 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
The KMI Panel voted 3-2 that referee Peter Bankes made an on-field error by allowing the goal. Its members were unanimous, though, in backing VAR Darren England’s decision not to recommend a review, saying the footage available to him did not provide conclusive evidence of handball.
The incident was particularly significant for Forest after Neco Williams had a goal ruled out for handball during their goalless draw with Tottenham. The KMI Panel unanimously supported that decision, while Bankes was the VAR for the disallowed goal.
