This decision during the FA Cup final has caused plenty of debate.
Manchester United likely would have went into this game planning to disrupt Manchester City, giving them little encouragement and keeping the game as tight as possible.
It didn't go well.
Pep Guardiola's side would open the scoring after only 14 seconds, with Ilkay Gundogan firing in an incredible strike to score the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
THAT'S UNBELIEVABLE 🤯@IlkayGuendogan with an incredible volley for @ManCity, and it's the FASTER EVER #EmiratesFACup Final goal! pic.twitter.com/x95dNx9a8w
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) June 3, 2023
Hardly an ideal start.
However, United responded fairly well after this point. They did not give up many chances at the back, with a slice of luck getting them back into the game just after the half hour mark.
They were awarded a penalty after Jack Grealish was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box after an Aaron Wan-Bissaka header. The spot kick was not initially awarded, although it would be given after an on-field VAR review.
— EMDG2 (@EMDG2_ARS_) June 3, 2023
Ally McCoist and Lee Dixon are going crazy over this decision on ITV.
Was this a very harsh penalty call? #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/lCDTab0D2M— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 3, 2023
Bruno Fernandes would calmly slot the resulting penalty.
Many felt it was a very harsh call, with Ally McCoist and Lee Dixon slamming it while on commentary duties on ITV. In fact, Dixon said the decision clearly came from officials who 'must have never kicked a ball in their life'.
It is a sentiment that many people shared.
Roy Keane gives opinion on FA Cup final penalty decision
Speaking on ITV at halftime, Roy Keane said he felt it was a penalty. He also called out his ITV colleague Lee Dixon for his claims that it was not a penalty while in the commentary booth.
Roy Keane about Lee Dixon 😂😂 🔴#mufc pic.twitter.com/6NxlUDr72c
— Gary Sandford (@sandfoga) June 3, 2023
I think it's a penalty all day long...
[Fernandes] still has to score the penalty and he does so very coolly. I think it's a penalty all day long.
If anyone has any doubt about Lee Dixon, just to let you know he is a City fan. He's getting very upset up there.
The officials have discussed it and looked at it...
I think [Grealish] can bring his arms just a touch down. You need to jump and use your arms of course, I'm not stupid.
During that last bit of movement, he raised it up.
Of course, Roy Keane and Lee Dixon do have some history on live broadcasts.
The handball rule has caused plenty of confusion in recent times, with players being penalised only for almost identical incidents to go unpunished soon after.
This particular decision is unlikely to clear up any of the debate surrounding the matter.
SEE ALSO: Micah Richards Throws Richard Dunne Under The Bus In FA Cup Final Buildup
