An Update on the new Handball Rule – Keith Hackett
I have just picked up this announcement on Handball by a Premier League spokesperson.
A Premier League spokesperson announced on their website what softening their approach on handball.
It was agreed this week that Premier League match officials would slightly amend their interpretation of handball after it was discussed at a shareholders meeting between all 20 clubs.
More emphasis will now be put on what a player’s “expected” arm position is when the ball strikes him, and the time they have to react. The “softened approach” applied from Matchweek Four, starting last Saturday (3rd October).
In determining whether or not a handball should be penalised the following factors will be considered:
- Position of the arm
- Whether the arm is in an expected position given player’s action (This includes where the arms are clearly used for balance and/or protection and is less likely to be penalised)
- The arms may be outside the player’s bodyline and may not be penalised
- A player’s ability to react and when it is clear that the player does not have the ability to react
- If it comes from a direct shot at goal
- Whether the contact with the arm clearly blocks a direct shot towards the goal
KEITH HACKETT
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