Why Vinicius Junior’s Goal for Real Madrid Was Allowed to Stand Despite Almeria’s Handball Shouts

• Vinicius Junior scored a controversial equaliser during Real Madrid's 3-2 victory over Almeria in La Liga
• The Brazilian appeared to have scored the goal with his forearm but the referee said it was his shoulder
• The International Football Association Board has outlined what would be deemed as a handball offence

There are two rules in football that always cause confusion: the handball and the offside.

While the VAR has helped to some degree when it comes to offside calls, handball decisions often remain a source of contention.

That was the case over the weekend when Vinicius Junior scored Real Madrid’s second goal against Almeria.

The Brazilian’s goal was initially chalked off before the referee overturned the decision, and Sports Brief looks at why this was the case.

Why Vini’s goal was originally disallowed

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Madrid were down 2-0 at half-time but levelled the game in the 67th minute of the game.

Vini latched onto a cross by Aurelien Tchouameni, diverting the ball into the back of the net with the top part of his arm.

The goal was chalked off due to a handball, but VAR then asked the referee to review it. The referee then overturned the decision, citing that the ball hit his shoulder, not his forearm.

What do the rules say about handballs?

The International Football Association Board is quite clear regarding handball rules, saying that not every touch of a player’s hand/arm with the ball is considered an offence.

The IFAB clarifies that it is an offence if a player scores in the opponent’s goal directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper or immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental.

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They also clarify precisely where a ball can hit a player’s arm for it not to be deemed an offence.

VAR recordings released over handball decision

While many questioned the decision and accused Madrid of paying off the referee, the Spanish Football Federation have released the audio between the referee and the VAR control room to remain transparent, Managing Madrid reported.

"I’m going to show you, the ball hits him on the right shoulder, right? We’re playing the super slow-motion now, it hits the shoulder, now it’s up to you to assess a potential offensive foul there," VAR referee, Hernandez Hernandez is heard saying.

"Perfect, yes, it hits the shoulder, and that’s a valid goal, all right?" the referee replies.

Vinicius comments on controversial goal

While social media is full of conflicting opinions over the goal, the player himself is hoping to put an end to it.

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Vini took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a video of the goal, which was translated as saying that’s how they always did it on Copacabana Beach.

Vinicius and Diego Simeone clash

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone and Vini had to be separated after a recent Madrid derby.

The Brazilian star has developed a reputation for winding up managers and opposition players during matches.

The incident happened after the Madrid derby in the Copa del Rey which Atletico won, as Sports Brief reported.