Unusual Penalty Incident Sees Palace Striker Score Twice
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta found the net in extraordinary circumstances during his team's Premier League clash with Manchester United at Selhurst Park. The French striker was awarded a spot-kick after being clumsily brought down in the box by United defender Leny Yoro.
Mateta stepped up and initially sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. However, the goal was immediately placed under review by the Video Assistant Referee system.
Why VAR Intervened and The Rule Change Explained
The review revealed Mateta had accidentally kicked the ball onto his standing foot, resulting in an unintentional double-touch. Under previous regulations, this would have resulted in the goal being disallowed and an indirect free-kick awarded to Manchester United.
However, a significant rule change implemented by the International Football Association Board in June 2025 meant the outcome was different. The new interpretation of Law 14 states that when a penalty taker makes clearly unintentional second contact with the ball, and the kick is successful, the player should be allowed to retake the penalty.
The Historical Context Behind The Rule Change
This regulatory shift came directly after a controversial incident in the Champions League last-16 stage between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Julian Alvarez saw his penalty disallowed after slipping and making contact with his standing leg, a decision that proved decisive as Real Madrid progressed to the quarter-finals.
In response, IFAB issued a clarification that has been adopted by UEFA, FIFA, and the Premier League for the 2025/26 season. The key distinction now lies between accidental and deliberate double-contacts.
An accidental touch leads to a retake, while a deliberate one still results in an indirect free-kick for the defending team.
Mateta Makes No Mistake Second Time Around
Given his second opportunity from twelve yards, Mateta displayed remarkable composure. The Eagles striker changed his approach, aiming for the opposite corner, but the outcome remained identical as he once again beat Senne Lammens in the United goal.
This incident marks one of the first high-profile applications of the new rule in English football, providing a talking point for fans and pundits alike while demonstrating how football's laws continue to evolve in the modern game.
