Should it have been taken again?
Manchester United recorded their third win of the season on Saturday evening.
Jose Mourinho’s team beat Leicester City 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from substitutes Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini. However, for most of the game, United struggled to break down the Foxes, and it looked like it would be a frustrating game after 53 minutes.
The home side won a penalty and Romelu Lukaku stepped up. The Belgian has three goals already this season, but failed to make it four after Kasper Schmeichel denied him from 12 yards out.
Lukaku’s penalty wasn’t great, and Schmeichel appeared to know from when the player stepped to the ball what side of the goal he would hit it.
However, replays suggested that Lukaku should have had the opportunity to take the penalty again, as the Leicester ‘keeper was at least two yards off his line.
Goalkeepers are allowed move along their goal line before a penalty is taken, but they are not allowed leave their line to try save the ball. Of course, lots of ‘keepers do leave their line, so Schmeichel is not the first to fall foul of the rule.
However, he was noticeably off his line when Lukaku hit the ball.
Schmeichel off his line before pens even taken. pic.twitter.com/xC9V7kTLUW
— Michael  (@PrimMichael_JA) August 26, 2017
United went on to win the game, so fans of the club will be happy. But a lot of people spotted Schmeichel’s position for the penalty.
https://twitter.com/jaygarside/status/901500105261543424
https://twitter.com/Alan_Tonge/status/901499768630890496
People will get rulers out to judge Mata offside, like with Lacazette, but Kasper Schmeichel being way off his line for pen largely ignored.
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) August 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jonesy_OmegaMan/status/901501512433766401
Schmeichel was a mile off his line, but that's not the best penalty from Lukaku. #MUNLEI
— The Busby Babe (@TheBusbyBabe) August 26, 2017
On review of that penalty, #schmeichel was so far off his line – even commentators said it should have been a retake.
— Jonathan Beech (@BasicBeech) August 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/marktay13350168/status/901501949568274433
https://twitter.com/PaulGAWA16/status/901501402220032001
Ok, he left his line and not sure the shimmy had any effect on Lukaku but Schmeichel committed 100% to that dive. Great pen save #MANLEI
— David Preece (@davidpreece12) August 26, 2017
