SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-handball-accidental-goal

A ball bounces off an attacker's hand by accident and goes straight into the goal. Does it count?

No. A goal scored directly from the hand or arm is an offence, even by accident.

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  1. Yes, accidents don't count
  2. Only if the referee missed it
  3. No, it's a handball offence ✔

Why: It is a handball offence to score in the opponents' goal directly from the hand or arm, even if it was accidental. That includes the goalkeeper.

Huh, didn't know that: It is also an offence to score immediately after the ball touched the hand or arm, even by accident.

The dad joke
Why didn't the hand goal count? The referee said it wasn't handy enough.
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References

Answer: No, it's a handball offence. It is a handball offence to score in the opponents' goal directly from the hand or arm, even if it was accidental. That includes the goalkeeper.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct
    scores in the opponents' goal: directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhen does a goal count?Sports & FitnessAn indirect free kick is kicked straight into the opponents' goal without touching anyone. What happens?Sports & FitnessIf the ball hits a player's hand, is that always a handball offence?

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