UEFA President issues SAD NEWS on Anthony Taylor, referee for the match between Manchester 2: 0 over Chelsea and this have cost him his Job

The controversy surrounding Mateo Kovacic’s handball incident has sparked a thorough examination of the football regulations, specifically IFAB Law 12, which defines handball. The law states that a player is guilty of an infraction if they touch the ball with their hand or arm, causing their body to become abnormally larger. This is precisely what occurred in the Kovacic incident, as replays showed the ball catching his underarm.

However, the referee’s decision not to award a penalty was influenced by the proximity of the ball to Kovacic’s body. According to the Premier League, referees consider the player’s proximity to the point of strike when determining whether to award a handball. If the player has sufficient time to raise their arms into a natural posture before the ball strikes their arm, the proximity law may be applied.

In this instance, Kovacic’s arm was not in an optimal position, but the closeness of the ball to his body, courtesy of Gusto’s pressure, may have contributed to the referee’s leniency. The incident highlights the complexity of handball decisions and the need for consistency in applying the rules.

Kovacic’s subsequent goal for Manchester City, which extended their lead, only added to Chelsea’s frustration. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate refereeing decisions and the ongoing need for clarification on handball regulations. As the season unfolds, the debate surrounding handball incidents is likely to continue, with fans and players alike eagerly awaiting clearer guidelines.