I want to pull my hair out that it is even a debate. As you exactly say, how on earth can people think that was deliberate? It was smashed at him from about a yard!
Premier League Thread 2015-16
- Thread starter saintsfcfan
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I want to pull my hair out that it is even a debate. As you exactly say, how on earth can people think that was deliberate? It was smashed at him from about a yard!
It was hit so hard and he was so close you can't deem that as movement of the hand towards the ball. Just because the arm was there it doesn't mean it's a penalty. The law is very clear on that.
Both his arms are at head height! He is spreading them deliberately to stop the ball (in my opinion). One hand up there to protect your face sure, but why the second hand
So if all players run around like starfish from now on, and the ball hits a hand that's not hand ball because it's not deliberate?
I would like to know how players are supposed to keep their balance when twisting and turning quickly, as Mertesacker did there, without using their arms. Try it. It's impossible. Just because someone's arms are raised does not mean they're deliberately trying to handle the ball.
Most people will agree there's no way that was intentional, however it looked like a clear shot on target that was blocked/deflected by a defender with raised arms, which to me should be a penalty, regardless of intent.
Regardless of my feelings as to whether it was penalty, I find it interesting that this debate is going on despite Dean not giving handballs to either side - ie he has been consistent. Think it supports my long held view that despite what some people might say, it is actually correct decisions that we want, as opposed to consistent decisions whether may or may not be correct. No one has yet said "ok fair enough, no penalty given for either side, lets move on".
In your opinion. The fact is the handball rule is bad, every ref interprets it differently. Until it is cleared up you will always get this kind of stuff.
Not a penalty for me, but wouldn't be outraged if it was given either. Should just change the rule to if the ball hits your arm in the box then its a pen full stop, would sort everything out
So its an issue with the current law. I know mertesacker had no intention of using his hands there and a card would've been unjust but as someone else said with the law being as it is players can simply flail their limbs about wildly in their own box comfortable knowing that any contact at short range will be waved away.
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