Controversial goal allowed after player uses genius football IQ to convince ref of rules

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

Donjeta Halilaj pulled a goal back for Besiktas in the 95th minute of their 3-2 defeat against Fenerbahce.

Halilaj scored by heading the ball out of the hands of the goalkeeper, before turning and firing her effort into the back of an empty net.

She then quickly faced the referee and put her arms in the air, indicating that she had no issue with the goal.

Fenerbahce players on the other hand were furious and surrounded the referee to protest the decision.

This was given as a goal. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/KDqaJ4VWdK

— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) November 20, 2023

Although they held on for a 3-2 win, there was still plenty of debate around the goal.

"Even in one hand, the keeper is deemed to have control. Should be a free kick, not a goal," said one person.

A second wrote: "Yeah its fine. 2 hands and it would have been disallowed, but 1 and it’s allowed.

"According to the rules, its not a goal," added a third.

Another commented: "It’s pretty clever. Goalkeeper doesn’t have both hands on the ball when the opposition player heads it out of her possession. That should be a legit goal."

Meanwhile a fifth added: "In this instance, having it placed as she did means the ball is in play, and the attacker well within her rights to do what she did."

According to the IFAB laws, the goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball with the hands in the following circumstances:

• The ball is between the hands or between the hand and any surface or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save
• Holding the ball in the outstretched open hand
• Bouncing it on the ground or throwing it into the air

It adds that "a goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with the hand(s)."

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