Top Referees Embrace New Handball Rules as Consistency Gains Ground
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy has praised the increasing maturity among referees in interpreting handball rules, citing recent examples that demonstrate a clear and consistent approach. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced several law changes in an effort to achieve consistent outcomes, but varying interpretations have remained a topic of discussion.
One notable instance was during Manchester United's match against Arsenal, where referee Craig Pawson made the correct decision not to award a penalty for a potential handball by Harry Maguire. The incident involved Maguire's outstretched arm blocking Mikel Merino's shot as he attempted to challenge for the ball on the ground.
The VAR review confirmed Pawson's initial assessment, and Foy agrees that it was a justified call, pointing out that Maguire's arm was not unnaturally positioned or "bigger" than usual. The experience highlights how referees are becoming more adept at applying handball laws consistently.
In contrast, other incidents have been subject to differing interpretations. During Crystal Palace's match against Chelsea, referee Darren England awarded a penalty for a potential handball by Jaydee Canvot, despite the VAR indicating otherwise. However, Foy notes that this decision may not reflect the more common approach in the Premier League, where referees are now taking a more nuanced view.
The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) development group has played a significant role in promoting these new guidelines, with first-year referee Farai Hallam demonstrating a sound understanding of handball laws during his debut match against Manchester City. When a potential handball by Yerson Mosquera was flagged for review by the VAR, Hallam remained committed to his initial decision and took the time to consider the evidence.
Foy's comments underscore the growth in maturity among referees as they continue to navigate the complexities of handball laws. As he noted, while it is essential to be clear about when a handball should be awarded, there are situations where interpretation becomes necessary. Nonetheless, his endorsement of referees' increasing consistency in applying these laws suggests a brighter future for the sport.
As one might expect from someone who officiated professional football for 25 years, Foy's stance on this matter is rooted in a desire to see handballs clearly defined and consistently applied. However, even he acknowledges that there will be instances where players may appeal for handball despite it being clear-cut โ and here, his willingness to temper expectations highlights the challenges of striking the perfect balance between clarity and nuance.
The Premier League's approach to handling handball has come a long way in recent years, with PGMO's emphasis on high-threshold standards contributing significantly to this development.
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy has praised the increasing maturity among referees in interpreting handball rules, citing recent examples that demonstrate a clear and consistent approach. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced several law changes in an effort to achieve consistent outcomes, but varying interpretations have remained a topic of discussion.
One notable instance was during Manchester United's match against Arsenal, where referee Craig Pawson made the correct decision not to award a penalty for a potential handball by Harry Maguire. The incident involved Maguire's outstretched arm blocking Mikel Merino's shot as he attempted to challenge for the ball on the ground.
The VAR review confirmed Pawson's initial assessment, and Foy agrees that it was a justified call, pointing out that Maguire's arm was not unnaturally positioned or "bigger" than usual. The experience highlights how referees are becoming more adept at applying handball laws consistently.
In contrast, other incidents have been subject to differing interpretations. During Crystal Palace's match against Chelsea, referee Darren England awarded a penalty for a potential handball by Jaydee Canvot, despite the VAR indicating otherwise. However, Foy notes that this decision may not reflect the more common approach in the Premier League, where referees are now taking a more nuanced view.
The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) development group has played a significant role in promoting these new guidelines, with first-year referee Farai Hallam demonstrating a sound understanding of handball laws during his debut match against Manchester City. When a potential handball by Yerson Mosquera was flagged for review by the VAR, Hallam remained committed to his initial decision and took the time to consider the evidence.
Foy's comments underscore the growth in maturity among referees as they continue to navigate the complexities of handball laws. As he noted, while it is essential to be clear about when a handball should be awarded, there are situations where interpretation becomes necessary. Nonetheless, his endorsement of referees' increasing consistency in applying these laws suggests a brighter future for the sport.
As one might expect from someone who officiated professional football for 25 years, Foy's stance on this matter is rooted in a desire to see handballs clearly defined and consistently applied. However, even he acknowledges that there will be instances where players may appeal for handball despite it being clear-cut โ and here, his willingness to temper expectations highlights the challenges of striking the perfect balance between clarity and nuance.
The Premier League's approach to handling handball has come a long way in recent years, with PGMO's emphasis on high-threshold standards contributing significantly to this development.