The Messy World of Handball: How IFAB Convoluted a Simple Rule

Controversy struck the Premier League in a weekend of bizarre decisions, as questionable handball rulings soured fixtures on Saturday and Sunday. Brighton was on the verge of a 2-2 draw against Manchester United, until a late VAR check awarded United a penalty after stoppage time for apparent handball against Brighton's Neal Maupay. The result, a goal from Bruno Fernandes giving Man U a 3-2 win on the last kick of the match. 

Crystal Palace experienced their own unfortunate encounter with VAR. Joel Ward deflected a shot off his arm, which was in a "natural position" according to the old handball laws. These aren't the old laws, however, as the VAR awarded Everton a penalty kick from Richarlison that would prove to be the winning goal as the Toffees won 2-1 at Selhurst Park. 

Sunday saw Chelsea escape with a point against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion, though the hosts were unlucky to not get the win, as VAR missed a handball from Chelsea's Kai Havertz in the buildup to Tammy Abraham's equalizing goal. 

Tottenham was the last victim of the weekend, when a header from Newcastle substitute Andy Carroll in the 92nd minute struck the arm of an unaware Eric Dier, turning what would have been a 1-0 Tottenham win into a draw. 

IFAB changed the handball laws in the offseason, eliminating the "accidental contact" rule, meaning that like Dier, you can be shoved in the back, causing you to put your hands up, and having the ball deflect off the back of your arm without your knowledge. In the age of suspect reviews from VAR, IFAB took it one step further, with the unrealistic expectations they place on defenders operating in and around the 18 yard box. 

*intended for publish week of 9/27