In ye olden days, the phrase used was deliberate handball, and I do think that's important. I don't think a player should be penalised for an unintentional contact if he is in the course of making a natural movement and simply can't get out of the way.In that instance, I don't think it is stupid. Accidental or not, he gained an advantage and at the attacking teams cost.
Not all fouls, handbags, etc have to be intentional. Much like not every foul is a booking.
(I know that isn't what you were saying)
Because intent isn't always easy to tell, they've continually tinkered with the rules to try and eliminate that subjectivity, but all they've done is make everything more confusing.
It's a debatable point, and I accept that there are different points of view. Yes, it's unfair on an attacking team if an accidental handball prevents progress, but imo it's unfair on the defending team to penalise something that is unavoidable.
In yesterday's game, the defenders arm was well away from his body, and I think that one will always be given. My issue was with the commentators saying it wouldn't be given in the PL.
