Gary Neville rages at 'absolute shocker' Bryan Mbeumo 'handball' as Premier League issue statement | OneFootball

Man Utd forward was not punished for appearing to control the ball with his arm

Gary Neville was left stunned by an "absolute shocker" of a referee decision after Matheus Cunha's goal for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest stood despite a "clear handball" by Bryan Mbeumo.

With United pushing to take the lead against Forest in their final home game of the season, Mbeumo collected the ball on the turn inside the area but poor control saw the ball get caught under his right arm.

Mbeumo was then able to bring the ball back under control, turn and shoot at goal. His effort was blocked but Cunha slotted home the rebound. The goal was given on the pitch by referee Michael Salisbury, only for VAR to recommend it be disallowed for handball after three minutes of review.

Premier League

A statement from the Premier League read: "After VAR review, the referee stuck with the original decision to award a goal to Manchester United.

Neville was aghast at the decision. He said on Sky Sports: "There is a clear handball in the build up where Mbeumo controls it on his hip and it comes off his arm. He's almost caught it, wedged between arm and body.

"I can see it in real time from 60 yards away. The arm brings the ball back into his arc of playing it. It would have run away from him. It's a no-brainer."

He added: "I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way. It's ridiculous. The VAR have been quite clear, they said it has been disallowed, he has handballed it and brought the ball back into play. I can't believe what I have just seen to be honest.

VAR looked at it for three minutes and then the referee looks at it for another minute. They are overthinking it. They have got themselves into a real mess there."

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann also expected the goal to be ruled out.

He told BBC Sport: “While I think that it is commendable to see a referee stick with his original decision - for only the fourth time in the Premier League this season - I believe that football’s expectation is Mbeumo controlling the ball, especially when it leads to a goal, outweighs the possible deflection off Mbeumo’s hip.”