Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes the goal that knocked rivals Manchester City out of the UEFA Champions League should have been disallowed for handball.
Fernando Llorente’s effort was reviewed several times by referee Cüneyt Çakır, who deemed that the Spaniard hadn’t intentionally handled the ball before it hit his hip and fired past Ederson, after VAR flagged up the incident.
That goal gave Tottenham a priceless third away goal, taking the tie to 4-4 on aggregate and 4-3 on the night. Raheem Sterling’s 93rd-minute winner was then correctly chalked off for offside by VAR, much to Man City's frustration, in a dramatic finale.
With the aggregate score level at 4-4 on the full-time whistle, Spurs secured their place in the semi-final of the competition, where they will face Ajax, who caused another major upset of their own as they beat Juventus.
Changes to Law 12, administered by the International Football Assocation Board (IFAB), mean that Llorente’s goal will be ruled out for handball, despite being unintentional, from June 1. However, under the current ruling, it was the correct decision by the Turkish official and his team.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, the former Red Devils defender gave his view on the controversial incident that ended City’s hopes of a famous quadruple.
He said: “I think it's handball, honestly. I'm not gutted he's given the goal, but I think it's handball.”
Former Tottenham man Glenn Hoddle also waded in with his view, supporting the referee’s decision.
Uefa react to VAR controversy which saw Man City dumped out of the Champions League
Hoddle argued: “I think if it hits his arm it doesn't go in with that power. It's gone off his hip, off a hard part of his body.”
The two teams meet once against at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, as Pep Guardiola’s side turn all their focus on defending their Premier League crown.
City side will move back to the top of the Premier League table with a win on Saturday lunchtime, with Liverpool not in action until Sunday, away at Cardiff City.
