Three controversial penalties that wouldn’t have counted under new Premier League rules – but Dier’s still a spot-kick

THERE have been six penalties given for handball in the Premier League already this season – and THREE of those wouldn’t have counted under new rules.

Under new guidance, referees will no longer apply the controversial hardline handball laws after a fierce backlash from players, managers and match officials themselves.

In a move that will be widely welcomed, refs’ chief Mike Riley went to the game’s law-making body Ifab to get approval for a softening of the approach.

And Premier League refs will now be able to take the context of the handball into account.

That means a defender’s position in relation to the ball and the amount of time they had to react, will be taken into consideration.

So how would the new rules have affected the six penalties awarded for handball so far season?

SunSport takes a look…

PEN OR NO PEN – THE NEW DECISIONS

Liverpool vs Leeds, Sep 12

Robin Koch deflects Mohamed Salah’s goal-bound shot onto his right arm.

NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm in unnatural position.

Man Utd vs Crystal Palace, Sep 13

Jordan Ayew’s weak shot hits Victor Lindelof’s arm before bouncing to David De Gea.

NEW VERDICT: No penalty – arm in a natural running position.

PA:Press Association

Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty after Ayew’s tame shot hit Lindelof on the arm[/caption]

Southampton vs Tottenham, Sep 20

Harry Winks’ attempted interception pings ball against Matt Doherty’s outstretched arm.

NEW VERDICT: No penalty – deflection gave Doherty no time to react.

BT Sport

Southampton were given a penalty after the ball struck Doherty’s hand[/caption]

Brighton vs Man Utd, Sep 27

Neal Maupay deflects Harry Maguire’s last-gasp header with his right fist.

NEW VERDICT: Penalty – arm raised above the shoulder.

Crystal Palace vs Everton, Sep 27

Lucas Digne’s header into the box strikes Joel Ward’s left arm.

NEW VERDICT: No penalty – Ward had no time to react and his arm was in a natural stance.

Tottenham vs Newcastle, Sep 28

Last second drama as Eric Dier adjudged to have handled Andy Carroll header despite not looking at the ball.

NEW VERDICT: Penalty – Dier’s arm above his shoulder and not attempting to handle or seeing the ball is irrelevant.

Sky Sports

Spurs were furious after Carroll headed the ball into Dier, who had his back turned to the ball[/caption]