THERE have been six penalties given for handball in the Premier League already this season – and THREE of those wouldn’t have counted under new rules.
Under new guidance, referees will no longer apply the controversial hardline handball laws after a fierce backlash from players, managers and match officials themselves.
New rules would have seen THREE of six handball penalties overturned
In a move that will be widely welcomed, refs’ chief Mike Riley went to the game’s law-making body Ifab to get approval for a softening of the approach.
And Premier League refs will now be able to take the context of the handball into account.
That means a defender’s position in relation to the ball and the amount of time they had to react, will be taken into consideration.
So how would the new rules have affected the six penalties awarded for handball so far season?
SunSport takes a look…
PEN OR NO PEN – THE NEW DECISIONS
Liverpool vs Leeds, Sep 12
Robin Koch deflects Mohamed Salah’s goal-bound shot onto his right arm.
NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm in unnatural position.
Liverpool were awarded a penalty after Salah’s goal-bound shot hit Koch’s arm
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace, Sep 13
Jordan Ayew’s weak shot hits Victor Lindelof’s arm before bouncing to David De Gea.
NEW VERDICT: No penalty – arm in a natural running position.
Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty after Ayew’s tame shot hit Lindelof on the armCredit: PA:Press Association
Southampton vs Tottenham, Sep 20
Harry Winks’ attempted interception pings ball against Matt Doherty’s outstretched arm.
NEW VERDICT: No penalty – deflection gave Doherty no time to react.
Southampton were given a penalty after the ball struck Doherty’s handCredit: BT Sport
Brighton vs Man Utd, Sep 27
Neal Maupay deflects Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header with his right fist.
NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm raised above the shoulder.
Man Utd were awarded a spot-kick after Maguire’s header hit Maupay on the arm
Crystal Palace vs Everton, Sep 27
Lucas Digne’s header into the box strikes Joel Ward’s left arm.
NEW VERDICT: No penalty – Ward had no time to react and his arm was in a natural stance.
Joel Ward gave away a penalty after the ball struck him on the hand
Tottenham vs Newcastle, Sep 28
Last second drama as Eric Dier adjudged to have handled Andy Carroll header despite not looking at the ball.
NEW VERDICT: Penalty – Dier’s arm above his shoulder and not attempting to handle or seeing the ball is irrelevant.
Spurs were furious after Carroll headed the ball into Dier, who had his back turned to the ballCredit: Sky Sports
Jamie Ohara says that says referees must be responsible for the handball farce in the Premier League
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
