Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was disallowed due to an unexpected offside infraction involving Joshua Zirkzee.
The Manchester United winger believed he had scored an easy goal to put his team ahead against Brighton with 20 minutes remaining at the Amex Stadium.
However, the ball deflected off Zirkzee’s knee on the line, after the striker had already slid in and missed Bruno Fernandes’ initial pass.
Despite the ball being on target, the goal was invalidated in an unusual manner because Zirkzee was positioned ahead of Garnacho at the time of the attempt.
Had Zirkzee touched the ball after it had completely crossed the line, the goal would have been allowed.
But Zirkzee was unable to avoid the unintended interference.
The Dutch forward, who had scored the winning goal on his debut against Fulham the previous week, immediately showed signs of regret when Garnacho celebrated.
As Garnacho rejoiced, Zirkzee stood up, confused and disappointed, inside the goal.
Fans quickly expressed their opinions on social media.
One comment read: “Joshua Zirkzee can’t be blamed here. Any striker would instinctively extend their leg. He was just unlucky.”
Another said: “It’s unfortunate for Garnacho. You can’t fault Zirkzee for his instinctive reaction.”
A third person joked: “Justice for Coventry,” referring to a controversial FA Cup semi-final where United benefited from a marginal VAR offside call.
Many fans felt the offside rule should be revised because Zirkzee’s unintentional interference did not provide an advantage to the attacking team.
One explained: “The decision is technically correct, but common sense should be applied. The ball was going into the net, there was no defense or unsighted goalkeeper. The outcome wouldn’t have changed.”
Another commented: “It’s quite ridiculous; the rule should allow such a goal, especially since no player could have stopped it.”
The inadvertent touch from Zirkzee proved costly.
The incident occurred with the score tied at 1-1, following Amad Diallo’s deflected shot that leveled Danny Welbeck’s opener.
In the fifth minute of injury time, Joao Pedro was left unmarked at the back post to head in a dramatic winner, securing all three points.
Zirkzee was seen discussing the situation with Erik ten Hag as they left the pitch after the match.
