By Tony Ubani, in South Africa
Luis Fabiano has admitted that he handled the ball before his second goal against Cote d’Ivoire, but insists it was “involuntary”

HANDBALL ••• Brazil's Fabiano handles the ball before scoring. The referee ignored this which has now triggered worldwide criticism especially when the referee was later seen chatting with Fabiano, smilingand gesticulating to show that he saw the handball.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring in Johannesburg with a stunning strike as he rippled the roof of the net from an impossible angle.

Elano then added a second goal after the break, but the Ivorians were insensed when Fabiano used his arm and shoulder to control the ball before netting Brazil’s third.

“It seems the ball hit my hand and the second time it hit my shoulder. But it was a spectacular goal and I believe it was not a voluntary handball,” Fabiano said.

“It was a legitimate goal and it was one of the most beautiful goals that I have scored in my career.
“I didn’t handle the ball voluntarily, it was involuntarily.”