The handball rule in football has long been a source of bewilderment for supporters, and it produced another talking point during Manchester United's Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, when Harry Maguire appeared to handle the ball before scoring.

The United centre-back connected with the ball using his arm, advanced several yards into the penalty area, and fired a shot that ended up in the net. Initial instinct suggested the goal was destined to be overturned — after all, the laws of the game clearly state that a goal must be disallowed if the scorer handles the ball in the build-up.

Why the goal stood

However, one crucial detail changed everything. Maguire's shot was heading well wide of the target and only entered the net after deflecting off Ipswich Town defender Jacob Greaves — meaning it was officially recorded as an own goal, not a Maguire strike.

Under the rules of the game, there are three specific circumstances in which accidental handball by the player who appears to score does not lead to disallowance: when the goal is not scored immediately after the handball, when a team-mate — not the handler — scores, and when the action of a defending player results in an own goal.

This third exemption applied here. VAR official Jarred Gillett communicated directly with referee Craig Pawson, stating: