An explanation for the goal which drew Middlesbrough level in the club’s meeting with Manchester United this evening being allowed to stand has been provided.

For those not aware, Neil Warnock’s side are currently locked in extra-time in an FA Cup 4th-round showdown at Old Trafford.

This comes after Boro managed to cancel out Jadon Sancho’s first-half opener just past the hour mark, in altogether controversial circumstances.

Matt Crooks proved the man on target, arriving at the back post to slot home into an empty net on the end of Duncan Watmore’s assist:

Replays of the incident, however, quickly showcased the fact that the ball had struck Watmore’s hand in the buildup, with the immediate assumption, in turn, that Crooks’ strike would be ruled out:

This, though, in fact didn’t prove to be the case, with Middlesbrough’s leveller allowed to stand, much to the understandable frustration of all associated with Manchester United.

Accidental?

And now, as alluded to above, an explanation for precisely why the team of officials in charge of proceedings opted against ruling in favour of the Red Devils has been provided.

As per the reliable Simon Stone of BBC Sport, referee Anthony Taylor felt as though Watmore’s hand ball was of an accidental nature, after the ball first bounced off his chest.

After communicating as much to Stuart Attwell, in charge of overseeing the VAR system at Old Trafford, it was subsequently agreed by both parties that the goal stood as a valid one.

This comes on the back of a change in the game’s rules when it comes to the effect of hand ball, whether intentional or not, in the direct lead-up to a goal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign getting underway.

 

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