The Premier League will ask football’s lawmakers to change the new handball rule after a string of controversial disallowed goals throughout the season (via The Times).
Premier League to Ask For Handball Rule Change
At Least Six Goals Ruled Out
Officials must penalise any contact between ball and hand if the move leads to a goal, even in the event of it being accidental.
This law was introduced ahead of the current season and has resulted in a string of questionable decisions.
It is questionable as to whether the law is right.
Premier League clubs, players and managers are keen for the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to revise the rule.
It is believed that the new law is responsible for the ruling out of at least six goals across the season.
Lucas Moura Incident
During Tottenham‘s 3-1 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday, Harry Kane had a goal ruled out after it had been deemed to strike the arm of teammate Lucas Moura in the build-up to Kane’s strike.
It is clear that Lucas Moura does not intentionally touch the ball, as he can’t even see it. However, the current ruling does not regard intention as a factor. Hence why, by the rules of the game, VAR made the correct call.
Riyad Mahrez also had a goal disallowed in the later game. Phil Foden‘s handball was responsible for VAR’s overruling. That didn’t have as much as an impact on the game as Manchester City were able to beat Liverpool 4-0.
What Jose Said
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho refused to comment on the incident. However, he was not scared to criticise the method VAR has taken on English football.
“The referee is in the office. I never complain at the guy with the whistle because it’s not the referee anymore,” Jose said.
“I think the referee should always be the man on the pitch and the people in the office should just support and assist.”
“That’s not the way it is. The referee who is not very good on the pitch, we cannot expect he’s good in the office.”
“We’re going in a direction that’s really bad for the beautiful game, the game that everybody fell in love with.”
Mourinho has long been a supporter of VAR but appears to want it to be portrayed in a different manner.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder called the technology a farce, despite winning the game.
Referees Unhappy
Referees’ chiefs in England are also said to be unhappy with the outcome of the new rule and want it to be reconsidered.
Main Photo
