LATEST REPORT: West Brom star performs ‘Hand of God’ save to controversially deny QPR goal
A West Brom defender mirrored the infamous Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ incident by using his hand to prevent a goalbound shot from Queens Park Rangers in a Championship clash on Wednesday night.
The match started with QPR taking an early lead through Sam Field, capitalizing on a fumble by West Brom goalkeeper Alex Palmer. However, West Brom quickly turned the tide with two goals in two minutes from Mikey Johnston and Grady Diangana, putting them ahead 2-1.
QPR are awarded a penalty for an Adam Reach handball, which they subsequently miss 🫠
Before Cédric Kipré appears to clear the ball off the line with his hand, with no penalty given 🤯
CHAOS at Loftus Road 🤐 pic.twitter.com/zHcnzoo7vj
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024
In the early stages of the second half, QPR looked to equalize and were awarded a penalty for handball. However, Michael Frey’s weak attempt from the spot was saved by Palmer. The potential controversy was averted as Adam Reach’s arm was close to his body when penalized.
The most contentious moment of the match occurred shortly afterward as QPR pressed for a goal. West Brom’s Cedric Kipre appeared to use his hand to push a goal-bound shot over the bar, rather than his head, in an incident overlooked by referee Geoff Eltringham. This cunning move drew comparisons to the Hand of God, and Kipre faced booing from QPR supporters. Fans on X social media platform condemned the action as cheating, highlighting the clear handball that went unpunished.