Premier League handball rule set to change AGAIN next season to stop penalties like Eric Dier’s against Newcastle
FOOTBALL chiefs are ready to agree ANOTHER change in the handball Law.
But it will not come into effect until next season.
The alteration, set to be approved by the International FA Board, will mean the penalty controversially conceded by Spurs’ Eric Dier against Newcastle at the start of the season will no longer be an automatic spot kick.
Under current Laws, if the ball strikes the arm or hand above the shoulder, referees have no option but to punish the offence.
But the change, set to be endorsed next month and confirmed in March – and to take effect from June 1 – will hand back discretion when the defender’s action is judged to be “part of the natural movement”.
In the case of Dier, his back was towards Andy Carroll when the header struck him.
But the referee could now rule that he was using his arms to gain elevation and not in an attempt to block the ball.
Referees are also set to be told they should not punish a player who handles when he is protecting his face against the ball.
Ifab will also officially endorse the handball interpretation giving referees more leeway when the ball is struck at their arms from close distance.
This was a dispensation given to Premier League chiefs in September.
Most read in Football
There were further pleas from Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin for a relaxation of the rigid rulebook.
However, no other changes will be presented to next month’s Annual Business Meeting of the Law-making body.
