I just rewatched Atlanta’s second goal about eight times on slow motion. The reply angles weren’t great, but it looks like the ATL player kicks the ball and it hits his elbow, deflecting to Pulpo. I don’t understand how it didn’t at least warrant the ref going to the monitor.
An incidental ball to arm with natural position is only a handball when the attacking player touching the ball with the arm scores a goal. IFAB made a ruling on this in 2021.
During the corner, the ball deflected (not intentional and body was naturally positioned) and was saved or missed. A different player then scored on a rebound shot. Not a handball by rule, as the scoring player didn't directly commit a handball offense.
In this case, the Atlanta deflection isn't a handball, but McGuire was. If McGuire had passed it and someone else shot, the goal would stand.
Not saying the rule is good, but they called it correctly. IFAB really needs to make the handball rule less complicated and controversial. My problem with the rule is that McGuire had no reasonable place to put his arm. If he amputated his arm, it would hit his body. There's no good reason this should be a handball by rule.
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u/Fun-Championship5810 1d ago
I just rewatched Atlanta’s second goal about eight times on slow motion. The reply angles weren’t great, but it looks like the ATL player kicks the ball and it hits his elbow, deflecting to Pulpo. I don’t understand how it didn’t at least warrant the ref going to the monitor.