UEFA referees chief wants Premier League to adopt stricter handball rules
UEFA’s head of referees has called for a universal application of the handball law across Europe from next season following a controversial penalty in the Champions League.
Roberto Rosetti wants to end the stark differences in how the rule is interpreted between domestic leagues and European competitions.
Currently, spot-kicks for handball offences are awarded far more frequently in continental ties than in England’s top flight.
The disparity was highlighted during Tuesday’s thrilling semi-final first leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Controversial penalty sparks debate
During a frantic clash at the Parc des Princes, the ball struck the arm of Alphonso Davies after an Ousmane Dembele cross.
The delivery came from close range and appeared to deflect off the Canadian defender’s leg before making contact with his arm.
Despite the deflection, the Video Assistant Referee intervened, instructing the match official to review the pitchside monitor before awarding a penalty.
Former England striker Alan Shearer voiced his frustration over the subjective decision.
“It deflects on to his arm, and that, for me, is not a penalty.”
Push for uniform application
Former official Mark Clattenburg noted that European football has maintained a much higher tolerance for penalising handball incidents in recent campaigns.
In contrast, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited operates with a more lenient interpretation shaped by feedback from English clubs.
A player’s arm being struck by the ball does not automatically result in a penalty in domestic fixtures unless the action is deemed deliberate.
However, rules expert Dale Johnson revealed that European chiefs aim to standardise these subjective calls across all jurisdictions.
“A reminder that Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s head of referees, wants there to be a universal application of handball across Europe next season.”
Resistance expected from English clubs
Aligning with stricter continental guidelines is likely to face significant opposition from stakeholders within the English game.
A previous attempt to implement rigorous handball interpretations domestically was swiftly abandoned after widespread backlash.
Statistics show that more than twice as many penalties are given for handball offences in Europe’s elite club competition compared to the Premier League.
With UEFA pushing for consistency, the governing bodies appear set for a major clash over the sport’s most debated law.
