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2026/27 UEFA Champions League League Phase Matchday 2 Real Betis vs FC Porto

[Handball] A goal disallowed for arm contact immediately before the shot

An original analysis of real match footage.

Final Decision

VAR / OFR

Handball

Close call

An FC Porto shot hit the crossbar and bounced down. Goal-line technology (GLT) indicated that the ball had wholly crossed the goal line, and the referee awarded a goal. Following VAR intervention and an on-field review (OFR), the referee judged that Porto's No. 17 had committed a handball offence immediately before shooting. The goal was disallowed and play restarted with a direct free kick to Real Betis.

Referee Review

Why was this decision made?

See the key points from a referee’s perspective

Show explanation

How the footage and Laws apply

This was a complex sequence involving goal-line technology and several other potential decisions. A Betis defender pushed from behind in the contest for the cross, raising a possible penalty kick. As Porto's No. 17 attempted a bicycle kick, a Betis player tried to head the ball, raising the question of playing in a dangerous manner. The shot then hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field of play, although GLT indicated a goal. The decisive issue after VAR intervention was the handball offence just before the shot. Not every touch on a hand or arm is an offence. The footage shows Porto's No. 17's right arm away from the body while preparing the shot, making the body unnaturally bigger. On that basis, the referee's decision to disallow the goal appears justified. The match officials had to sort through several incidents in quick succession to reach the final decision.

Relevant Laws

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct (Handling the ball) / Law 10 – Determining the Outcome of a Match / Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol

Official references

Check the wording of the Laws

The links above lead to official IFAB and JFA resources. The application of the Laws to this incident is the author’s analysis and is not an official view of IFAB, JFA or the competition organiser.

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