Controversy surrounds VAR decision on Neco Williams' disallowed goal

The VAR's choice to intervene and disallow Neco Williams' second-half goal against Tottenham has sparked considerable discussion following Nottingham Forest's 0-0 draw with Spurs on Saturday.

Spurs secured their first point of the season at the City Ground, having to put in a significant effort as both teams neutralised each other.

The disallowed goal for the home side in the 65th minute has been the focal point of media attention in recent days.

As Sandro Tonali attempted to clear the ball off the line, Neco Williams headed it towards the goal, but replays indicated that the ball may have made contact with the Forest defender's arm.

Keith Hackett has stated that VAR should not have disallowed Nottingham Forest’s goal against Tottenham.

Both Williams and Forest manager Oliver Glasner have condemned the decision to annul the goal, maintaining that it was not a clear handball.

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett concurs with Glasner, arguing that the evidence regarding the ball hitting Williams’ hand is inconclusive.

Hackett told Football Insider: “When you look closely on the big screen at that disallowed Nottingham Forest goal, having played it on several occasions, it is actually inconclusive that the ball struck the hand or arm, either accidentally or deliberately. Therefore, VAR should not have intervened.

“And certainly, on the evidence I have witnessed, the goal should not have been ruled out. The law is specific, and I want to clarify that if the ball does strike the hand and arm, and it goes directly into the goal, then the goal would be ruled out. On this occasion, it is inconclusive that the ball actually made contact with the scorer’s hand or arm.”

Evidence does appear to show the ball striking Williams’ hand.

As Hackett notes, the law clearly states that if there is any indication of the ball hitting the goalscorer’s hand, the goal would be disallowed.

However, contrary to his assertion, there seems to be evidence of the ball making contact with Williams’ hand before it crossed the line.

It is a fair position to argue that VAR could not definitively conclude the handball, but this image (as opposed to another that has been widely circulated) does appear to show that the ball came off Williams' right forearm.

Source: Spurs Web