Dermot Gallagher has been trying to explain the decision around Newcastle’s opening goal against Sheffield United yesterday.
Anthony Gordon appeared to handle the ball before crossing for Sean Longstaff to fire into the net in front of the Kop. At the time, decision caused confusion as it clearly hit Gordon’s hand.
However, speaking on Sky Sports, former PL ref Gallagher has explained that under the new laws, the correct call was made, albeit it seems harsh.
Dermot Gallagher speaks on Newcastle handball v Sheffield United
Speaking on Sky’s Ref Watch show this morning, Gallagher explained that the new laws mean the goal was correctly given.
And the former ref added that for now, teams are going to have to just ‘suck it up’.
“Bit by bit, the whole of the ball has to over all of the line, which is wasn’t as he brings it back it strikes his hand, which ironically keeps it in play. It’s deemed not deliberate, he doesn’t score, therefore the new interpretation is it has to be deliberate. Referee said no, VAR said no so the goal is given,” Gallagher said.
“Touched his hand that’s right. But what I said from the start, we drill down and we’ve seen three different incidents with three different outcomes. It’s just so difficult handball. So so difficult. And I’ve come to the conclusion in week six that you’re going to have to suck it up for another 32 weeks, because it’s not going to go away.”
The decision came a week after Paul Heckingbottom had unleashed a furious rant on the state of officiating after United lost at Tottenham.
Sheffield United News View: Refs on a hiding to nothing
There are occasions when the referees can be better but in the main, it is the bizarre laws and rulings that are making things harder than ever.
As Gallagher says, the handball rule now seems to complicated that every referee is seeing it differently and giving a different decision. Surely, this can’t be right, for all of the clubs, fans and the refs taking part.
Something needs to be done to address it but as Gallagher says, nothing will change this year.