Selhurst Park witnessed a moment of Premier League history during Sunday's clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United, as Jean-Philippe Mateta was asked to retake his penalty due to a rarely seen, and recently revised, rule. The incident occurred in the 36th minute when Mateta was brought down in the box by Manchester United defender Leny Yoro. Mateta stepped up to take the penalty himself, and while he successfully converted the spot-kick, a VAR review revealed that he had accidentally touched the ball twice as he took the shot.
Referee Robert Jones announced to the stadium that after review, Mateta touched the ball accidentally twice as the ball went into the net. The final decision was a retaken penalty.
Initially, such an infringement would have resulted in an indirect free-kick being awarded to the defending team. However, a recent rule change, implemented at the start of the 2025-2026 season, now allows for a penalty to be retaken if a player accidentally double-touches the ball during the execution of the kick, but only if the initial attempt was successful. Had the penalty been missed, the rule dictates that an indirect free-kick would be awarded to the defending team.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the laws of the game, updated the ruling on July 1st. This clarification followed controversy surrounding a similar incident in a Champions League match where Julian Alvarez's penalty for Atletico Madrid against Real Madrid was disallowed for a double touch. UEFA requested a review of the laws concerning these instances after Atletico Madrid inquired about the validity of disallowing Alvarez's penalty. IFAB stated that the Law 14 is primarily intended for situations where the penalty taker deliberately touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player.
Consequently, Mateta was given a second opportunity from the spot, which he duly converted, sending the Crystal Palace fans into jubilation. The goal put Palace ahead 1-0. This marks the first time in Premier League history that a player has been allowed to retake a penalty under this new regulation.
The game between Crystal Palace and Manchester United continued with both teams displaying high intensity. Zirkzee scored for Manchester United, while Mount scored a set piece goal putting Manchester United ahead. Crystal Palace was seeking a fourth win over United in their last five matches. Manchester United hoped to secure their first Premier League victory this month.
