ISL 2018-19: NorthEast United FC 0-1 Mumbai City FC - 5 Talking Points

#1 Confusions regarding the goal remain

Mumbai City FC players appealing for a goal [Image: ISL]

It was the fourth minute, and Mumbai had earned themselves a corner. Paulo Machado floated one in which was cleared by the defence but the ball came back to the Portuguese midfielder who sent in another flat cross this time. The ball hit Arnold on the chest and went towards goal.

The NorthEast keeper Pawan Kumar dived full stretch to catch the ball, he did catch the ball, but in doing so, he went inside the line to do so. Now the big question that arises is that did the ball actually cross the line?

The replays were not very conclusive in answering that question. Another doubt which arises is that while the TV screens flashed the replay of the incident, it could be seen that there could have been a case of handball by Arnold before the ball went towards the goal.

All in all, since the incident happened in a crowded penalty box and TV cameras weren't helpful in providing a clear-cut picture of the situation. An element of doubt remains over whether the goal was legitimate or not.

Situations like these make the case of usage of VAR in ISL even stronger.