The ongoing debate surrounding handball decisions in football reached another flashpoint recently, with controversy erupting in multiple matches. While specific details of recent incidents involving Inter and Liverpool are emerging, the broader issue of inconsistent application of the laws continues to frustrate players, managers, and fans alike.
A recent match saw a penalty appeal for Inter turned down after an effort by Manuel Akanji was blocked, with the referee deeming it not a handball offense. This decision, like many others, highlights the complexities inherent in interpreting the current handball rule. The rule, which has undergone several revisions by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in recent years, aims to achieve consistent outcomes, but often leads to differing interpretations.
The issue isn’t new. As one former referee noted, handball has been a contentious topic throughout the history of the game. The frequent law changes, intended to clarify the rules, have ironically contributed to the confusion. The goal is consistency, but the subjective nature of determining whether a player’s arm position is “natural” or whether the contact resulted in making the body “unnaturally bigger” leaves room for interpretation, and controversy.
Manchester City have recently found themselves on the receiving end of disputed calls. In a 2-0 win against Wolves in January , a potential penalty for a handball by Yerson Mosquera was not awarded despite a VAR review. The referee, Farai Hallam, stood by her original decision, a move lauded by some as a demonstration of trusting her own judgment. This case, and others like it, underscore the difficulty in applying the law consistently, even with the aid of video technology.
Similarly, in November , Manchester City felt aggrieved by several decisions during a loss to Newcastle United, including a denied penalty, a handball shout, and a tight offside call. Manager Pep Guardiola visibly expressed his frustration to the referee, Sam Barrott, after the match, though he later downplayed the incident, stating “everything is fine.” Despite his attempts to deflect, the accumulation of questionable calls clearly weighed on the team and the manager.
The Newcastle match featured a specific incident where Phil Foden was challenged in the box by Fabian Schar, with Schar’s studs making contact with Foden’s ankle. No penalty was awarded, and VAR upheld the on-field decision. This exemplifies the fine margins referees must navigate, and the potential for significant impact on match outcomes.
The challenges extend beyond the Premier League. A recent incident involving Dean Henderson saw a controversial VAR decision regarding a potential red card for handball. Despite what appeared to be a clear handball, VAR ruled it wasn’t a denial of a goalscoring opportunity because Erling Haaland was deemed to be in an offside position. This illustrates how even with video review, subjective judgments continue to play a crucial role.
The debate isn’t limited to professional leagues. Discussions on social media, including a Facebook group dedicated to football news, reveal widespread fan frustration with inconsistent handball decisions. One post highlighted a situation where a handball by Harry Maguire was not penalized, leading to comments about how such decisions “completely change the course of the game.”
The emphasis on letting play flow, as demonstrated by referee Craig Pawson in a recent Manchester United-Arsenal match, is also a factor. Pawson’s approach of minimal intervention and allowing the game to unfold has been praised, with the focus remaining on the football itself rather than the refereeing decisions. However, this approach isn’t without its critics, as it can lead to missed calls and potential injustices.
The current situation demands a continued dialogue between IFAB, referees, and stakeholders across the footballing world. While achieving perfect consistency may be unrealistic, a clearer framework for interpreting the handball rule, coupled with consistent application by referees and VAR officials, is essential to maintaining the integrity of the game. The recent controversies serve as a stark reminder that the debate is far from settled, and that finding a solution remains a top priority for the sport.
Manchester City’s recent experiences highlight the potential impact of these decisions on title races and Champions League qualification. Their loss to Newcastle, compounded by perceived refereeing errors, left them trailing Arsenal in the table. The ability to navigate these challenging moments, both on and off the pitch, will be crucial as the season progresses.
