The controversial moment arrived just eight minutes into the match when Nemanja Matić played a pass forward and the ball struck Ander Herrera’s arm. From there, Herrera quickly threaded a piercing through ball that allowed Marcus Rashford to score. Slow-motion replays clearly captured the sequence, and referee Andre Marriner was positioned close enough to have had a full view of the incident. For those following the match updates on Cricket Exchange, this moment sparked heated debate almost instantly.

Matić himself appealed to the referee, but no whistle was blown. Chelsea players were visibly upset, feeling the officials had missed a critical handball. The decision became a hot topic in post-match discussions. Sky Sports pundits Frank Lampard and Graeme Souness both criticized the referee’s handling of the situation. Lampard argued that Herrera had deliberately used his outstretched arm to block Chelsea’s attack and gained an advantage from it. With the referee in a perfect position, Lampard questioned why no foul was called.

Souness agreed wholeheartedly, suggesting that the referee was far too lenient toward Manchester United in this situation. He explained that from the referee’s vantage point, there was no way he could have missed the handball. While acknowledging the quality of Rashford’s finish, Souness insisted the goal should not have stood because the play was already compromised by Herrera’s infringement. These strong reactions fueled wider debate among fans and analysts alike, especially those following detailed coverage on Cricket Exchange.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte also voiced his frustration after the game. He drew comparisons to similar situations his team had faced earlier in the season, recalling matches against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace where his side conceded goals after clear handball incidents went unpunished. Conte noted that decisions like these create a sense of misfortune and make it difficult for teams to maintain fairness in competitive matches.

For his part, Herrera denied wrongdoing when questioned after the game. He maintained that if a player unintentionally makes contact with the ball and their arms are in a natural position, it should not be considered handball. His words, however, did little to calm the debate, as fans and pundits continued to argue over intent versus advantage. This incident serves as another reminder that in football, one referee’s decision can shift the tide of an entire match. Supporters and experts alike will keep dissecting moments like these on platforms such as Cricket Exchange, where the conversation about justice and controversy in the game never truly ends.