Handball rule under the microscope again as fans fume over AC Milan’s disallowed opener vs Man United

The handball rule has taken centre stage online once again this evening, during the meeting between Manchester United and AC Milan.

Rossoneri on top

Two of European football’s heavyweights are of course currently locked in action at Old Trafford, in a glamour Europa League clash.

Ole Gunnar Solskajer’s Red Devils are playing host to sleeping giants AC Milan, in the standout tie of the Last-16.

It was hosts United who entered proceedings widely viewed as favourites, especially when taking into account the fact that the Rossoneri are without a host of star performers this evening.

To this point in the clash, however, it is in fact Milan who have enjoyed much the better of things.

Stefano Pioli’s outfit have looked considerably more confident in possession, culminating in a pair of disallowed goals, along with a handful of other half chances.

The visitors first found the United net when Rafael Leao was sent free over the top, only for the Portuguese to see his fine finish beyond Dean Henderson ruled out for offside.

Milan have the ball in the net but Rafael Leao was offside 🏳 pic.twitter.com/KM3Yu8BInx

— Goal (@goal) March 11, 2021

‘Do something about this rule’

Without doubt, though, the main talking point in Manchester, to this point, has come in the form of Franck Kessie’s wonder-strike, and the VAR call which followed.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Ivorian midfielder Kessie was picked out on the edge of the hosts’ box, by means of a throw-in.

From here, the Milan man turned into space, before unleashing a pinpoint dipping effort into the far corner of the United net:

WHAT. A. STRIKE. 🚀

Franck Kessie with quite possibly the best disallowed goal you’ll see this season. 😵 pic.twitter.com/kENLLC6kHK

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 11, 2021

The strike, on the face of it, looked completely legitimate.

However, as has so often proven the case this season, VAR quickly intervened.

In turn, on the back of a lengthy check, it was eventually decided that Kessie, in taking the ball into his path, had in fact been guilty of handball, resulting in the goal being overturned.

And the online reaction to the incident has since proven equally intense as it has swift.

The majority stand by the fact that they could not see what Kessie did wrong, whilst others have simply bemoaned the current state of the handball rule:

THAT IS NOT A HANDBALL THEY’RE KILLING THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

— James. (@afcjxmes) March 11, 2021

What the fuck is this referee doing? 😂 That wasn’t a handball 😂 Football is done.

— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) March 11, 2021

Handball. No Handball. pic.twitter.com/bAtMxMO1Rm

— . (@afccjm) March 11, 2021

Shit rule tbh, what should he do? Amputate the arm?

— Vic 🎭 (@JuveVic6) March 11, 2021

Quite simply no. Awful decision

— matt ²⁰ (@xthfcmatt) March 11, 2021

Clear and obvious!? 🤔

— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) March 11, 2021

They need to do something about this handball rule man! Can’t have it like this – if the ball graces your arm everything has to be canceled. Ruins it

— Fredrik (@F_Edits) March 11, 2021

Remember when handball was when someone touched the ball with their hand

— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) March 11, 2021

“was that a handball from kessie?” pic.twitter.com/6uGyVCkX1S

— bella💙 (@beIlacfc) March 11, 2021

VAR really just disallowed that Franck Kessié stunner? Nah, this game is so messed up. Emotion totally getting drained out of it.

— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) March 11, 2021

Manchester United vs AC Milan live streaming: Watch Europa League online

‘Enquiries made’ for Brighton’s Ben White as Man United step up search for new defender

This article was edited by Robert Fosterman.

Source: 101greatgoals.com