Darren Cann Rules: Cunha's Controversial Goal Should Have Been Disallowed for Man United

Former assistant referee Darren Cann explains why Manchester United's second goal against Nottingham Forest should have been disallowed.

In a development that has reignited the debate over officiating standards in the Premier League, former assistant referee and BBC Sport's laws analyst Darren Cann has stated that Manchester United's second goal against Nottingham Forest should have been disallowed. The goal, scored by Matheus Cunha in the 67th minute, gave United a 2-1 lead and ultimately proved decisive in a heated encounter at Old Trafford.

The Incident

With the score tied at 1-1, a corner kick was delivered into the Forest box. As the ball sailed in, United's defender inadvertently made contact with the ball, which then struck the arm of a Forest player before falling to Cunha, who volleyed home. The on-field referee waved away protests, and VAR checked but found no clear and obvious error, allowing the goal to stand.

However, Cann argues that the laws of the game were misinterpreted. 'If a goal is scored directly from a handball, even if accidental, it should be disallowed,' Cann explained on his analysis show. 'The ball clearly struck the arm of a Forest defender before the goal was scored. Under Law 12, any goal scored by a player who handles the ball, even accidentally, must be chalked off.'

VAR Controversy

The VAR protocol came under scrutiny as many wondered why the check didn't overturn the on-field decision. Cann suggested that the VAR might have considered the handball to be by a defender, not the attacker, but that is irrelevant. 'The law applies to any player on the attacking team who handles the ball in the lead-up to a goal. It doesn't matter if it's a defender or a midfielder; if the ball hits an arm and the goal is scored shortly after, it should be disallowed.'

This interpretation has sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans alike. Some argue that the handball was not deliberate and thus acceptable, but Cann is unequivocal: 'Intent is not considered in this specific law. Only the outcome matters. And the outcome is that a goal was scored after a handball by the attacking side.'

Impact on the Match

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo was livid after the match, claiming the decision cost his team a valuable point. 'We feel hard done by. The goal should not have stood. It's a clear handball, and it changed the game,' he said.

For Manchester United, the win kept them in the hunt for European places, but the controversy threatens to overshadow their performance. Interim manager Michael Carrick played down the issue, stating, 'We take the win and move on. These decisions sometimes go for you and sometimes against.'

Expert Opinion

Cann's analysis carries weight given his decades of experience in the professional game. He emphasized that the incident highlights the need for better education of officials. 'Referees and VARs must be absolutely clear on this law. There is no room for interpretation when it comes to a goal resulting from a handball, even accidental. We need consistency.'

The Premier League has yet to issue a statement, but this incident will likely be discussed at the next managers' meeting. As the season progresses, such decisions could have huge implications for the title race or relegation battle.

Conclusion

While Manchester United might celebrate the three points, the debate over the legitimacy of their winning goal will linger. Darren Cann's authoritative verdict adds weight to arguments for stricter enforcement of handball laws. For Nottingham Forest, it's a case of what might have been, and for the league, another reminder that the application of the laws remains a work in progress.