Tottenham should blame Gomes not Clattenburg for Nani goal



By Graham Poll for the Daily Mail

Like everyone else I couldn't believe my eyes as events unfolded at Old Trafford. It was one of the most bizarre and divisive goals in Premier League history.



My analysis is that Mark Clattenburg was right by the letter of the law, but his decision lacked credibility - and left a scar on this match.

1. The penalty appeal



Due to the bizarre run of events that followed, Nani's legitimate penalty claim was overlooked by many, including Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.



Nani appeared to be pushed from behind as he raced past Younes Kaboul. He went to ground very easily as most players do, but if an attacker does not go down then he will never get the decision.

Going down: Nani is challenged in the box by Tottenham defender Kaboul

Clattenburg saw this incident clearly and instantly gave a 'negative' signal, placing his arms behind his back - he saw it but didn't think it was an offence.



His decision was a good one as there was so little contact. It would have been a soft penalty but technically it wouldn't have been wrong.



2. The handball



Next came the moment that Spurs claim should have resulted in a free-kick. Players who feel they have been fouled often grab the ball to force the referee to make a decision.



Rough justice: Nani handles the ball, but Clattenburg calls for play to go on

Clattenburg could not see Nani deliberately handle the ball from his position. Anyway, it became irrelevant when Heurelho Gomes picked up the ball.



The referee would want the game to flow and playing on was the best decision having not given the penalty. For the record, handball is not a mandatory caution, whatever Alan Hansen says.



3. The 'free-kick'



If Gomes felt he had a free-kick why walk 10 yards up the pitch to take it? Why not play to the whistle? His actions were bizarre and caused all of the problems.



At no point did Clattenburg blow the whistle or make any move to do so, nor did he signal 'advantage'. He shouted 'Play on', but you do that when there is no offence.

If Gomes had put the ball down at the point where Nani had handled it and Nani had kicked it in from there then I am sure that Clattenburg would not have allowed the goal.

4. The confusion



Even if Clattenburg was playing advantage, it would have been over as soon as Gomes had the ball in his hands. Advantage is accrued once the player has control of the ball and can play on unaffected.



Despite Nani's handball, a free-kick could not have been awarded once Gomes picked up the ball.



5. Naughty Nani



As a top-flight referee, you have to contend with the 'win at all costs' mentality which over-rides all else.



With players prepared to dive and feign injury, it is perhaps too much to ask for sportsmanlike conduct. Nani knew that Gomes had put the ball down for a free-kick which is why he hesitated. He did nothing wrong in law.

6. The consultation



This is the point at which the whole incident could have been cleared up. Assistant referee Simon Beck knew there was an unsatisfactory and unnatural feel to the goal. He had seen the handball and so gave Clattenburg an opportunity by calling him over.



Exchanging words: Clattenburg talks to his assistant over Nani's goal

Clattenburg did well to keep the Tottenham players away but mysteriously allowed Rio Ferdinand to approach. He might be England captain but he is not the United captain and had no right to approach - let alone stay at - the consultation.



The law allows a referee to change a decision providing he has not restarted play. Clattenburg decided not to.



7. The protests



I fully understood the Spurs protests. Clattenburg did nothing wrong in law but there was a lack of credibility in his decision. I always tried to ensure that things felt right while trying to apply the law correctly.



Making their point: but Tottenham's appeals were in vain

Unusually this situation had two alternative endings, both right in law - let the goal stand or give a free-kick for the missed handball after consultation with Beck. Personally I would have done the latter. Of course that would have saved Gomes the embarrassment that his stupidity perhaps deserved.



