Why Fernando Llorente's goal would automatically be denied next season

Fernando Llorente was the winner of the unlikely match for Tottenham at a dramatic evening at Etihad Stadium.

The Spaniard came into play in the first half and found himself involved in what turned out to be the winner in the 73rd minute.

The goal was subject to a lengthy VAR check to determine whether Llorente had done a deliberate handball while the ball seemed to cut off his arm before hitting his hip and finding the back of the net.

The referee finally decided to award the goal before VAR later canceled a spectacular Raheem Sterling winner in extra time for offside in preparation.

It was Llorente who scored the decisive moment for the Spurs at a memorable night – but his goal would be automatically canceled if that happened next season.

A rule change approved by the IFAB should be introduced in football from the beginning of next season. Thus, any marked goal involving contact with the hand or arm will be excluded.

For the moment, handball must be deliberate to constitute a crime, instead of just inadvertently touching the contact with the arm or hand, as it seemed to be the case with Llorente.

David Elleray, technical director of the IFAB, has already explained the change of regulation by declaring: "The deliberate handball remains a crime.

"In the past, we have been able to improve laws by focusing on results rather than intentions.

"What we are looking for especially in attack situations, is when the player obtains an obvious unfair advantage by taking possession or controlling the ball, because he touches his hand or his hand. arms."

Spurs fans will have few complaints, however, as they are now preparing for a mouth-watering semi-final match with Ajax after their spectacular success in Manchester City .