Introduction
In the world of English football, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is a frequent source of debate and contention. The latest instance arose during the Community Shield match on Sunday, where Crystal Palace faced off against Liverpool at Wembley. The game concluded with a 2-2 draw, leading to Palace’s triumph in a tense penalty shootout, ending 3-2 in their favor.
Pivotal Moment in the Match
A pivotal moment occurred in the 79th minute, when a cross aimed for Ismaïla Sarr struck Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, who was attempting to intercept the ball with an outstretched arm. Despite fervent appeals for a penalty from the Palace side, referee Chris Kavanagh opted not to award one, prompting a VAR check conducted by Paul Tierney.
Ultimately, the VAR confirmed that no penalty would be granted. The application of handball rules in England has drawn criticism over the years for its lenient interpretation. During the previous Premier League season, only nine penalties were issued for handball violations. In contrast, leagues like La Liga awarded 28 penalties, while Ligue 1 had a striking 37 handball calls—one almost every match.
Handball Rule Interpretation
The criteria for determining a handball in England favors situations where a player’s arm is either fully extended or intentionally raised. A handball is often dismissed if the arm is positioned naturally, especially if the player is not facing the action directly. In Mac Allister’s scenario, with his arm raised behind his body as he jumped, the action was viewed as accidental rather than intentional.
This leniency was mirrored in several matches from last season. In a notable fixture involving Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, two separate handball claims were reviewed, both considered unintentional. The same principles were applied: if the ball contacted the arm while the player was jumping or the arm was not extended towards the ball, it was ruled not a penalty.
Debate on Decision-Making
There are debates over whether Mac Allister’s arm was raised deliberately or if it was a natural consequence of his body movement. Certainly, had the referee awarded a penalty, following the field review, it likely could have stood. However, the current VAR protocol in England reflects a consistency geared towards allowing more play, raising questions on the perceived accountability and decision-making in football officiating.
