Story perspectives

PGMO admits Cunha Goal Should've Been Disallowed for Handball

5/19/2026

Summary

Howard Webb Condemns Goal

PGMO admitted Matheus Cunha’s second Manchester United goal should have been disallowed for a handball.
Referee Michael Salisbury overruled VAR official Matt Donohue, judged the handball accidental, and let the goal stand.
PGMO chief Howard Webb told both clubs the decision was a misjudgement and should have been a disallowance, while Forest manager Vitor Pereira called it a clear handball and urged rule clarity.

Summary

Salisbury Overrules VAR

Referee Michael Salisbury overruled VAR official Matt Donohue, allowing the goal after Bryan Mbeumo’s arm was struck.
It was only the fourth season instance a referee kept his call despite VAR advice.
The 2021 amendment exempts accidental handballs that lead to a teammate’s goal.
Former players Micah Richards, Roy Keane and Gary Neville called the decision confusing.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira urged a meeting to clarify the handball rule.

Summary

Salisbury Overrules

Referee Michael Salisbury overruled VAR official Peter Bankes and allowed Matheus Cunha’s goal.
VAR official Peter Bankes initially advised disallowing the goal after seeing Bryan Mbeumo’s arm strike the ball.
Nottingham Forest players on the bench voiced immediate outrage at the decision, according to match-day reports.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb acknowledged the mistake to Forest officials on 2026-05-18, a move The Telegraph said aimed to manage the controversy.

History

Historical Context

The Premier League introduced VAR in the 2019-20 season, reviewing about 1,200 incidents and overturning 20% of calls, after IFAB codified the system in 2018 and its debut at the 2018 World Cup. The May 2026 Salisbury-Cunha controversy echoes earlier criticism from the 2017 Confederations Cup, prompting the FA and clubs to revisit handball rules.

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Howard Webb Condemns Goal

PGMO admitted Matheus Cunha’s second Manchester United goal should have been disallowed for a handball.
Referee Michael Salisbury overruled VAR official Matt Donohue, judged the handball accidental, and let the goal stand.
PGMO chief Howard Webb told both clubs the decision was a misjudgement and should have been a disallowance, while Forest manager Vitor Pereira called it a clear handball and urged rule clarity.

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