A dramatic conclusion to the latest Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic has reignited debate around the handball law after a VAR-awarded penalty proved decisive in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
The result did little to aid either side’s Premiership ambitions. Rangers remain six points behind leaders Hearts, while Celtic sit eight adrift with a game in hand. For the Light Blues, it was especially frustrating after racing into a two-goal half-time lead following a dominant opening 45 minutes.
Celtic responded after the break, halving the deficit through a header from Kieran Tierney. The controversy arrived later when a cross into the Rangers box was flicked on by Daizen Maeda and struck the arm of Dujon Sterling. Goalkeeper Jack Butland produced an initial save, but after a VAR review a penalty was awarded. Reo Hatate saw his spot-kick saved, yet converted on the rebound to secure a share of the spoils.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has since called for a change to the handball law, arguing that Sterling’s action appeared unintentional and that officials are left with little discretion under the current interpretation.
Hackett said referees had “no alternative” but to award the penalty under existing guidelines, while also pointing out that a red card for denial of an obvious goal was not issued because the goalkeeper still had a strong chance of making the save.
He echoed criticism from Alan Shearer, who also voiced frustration over recent handball decisions. Shearer described the rule as overly complicated, citing terms such as “deliberate,” “proximity,” “natural,” and “unnatural” as evidence of inconsistent interpretation. He also questioned lengthy VAR delays, arguing they are unfair on supporters inside stadiums.
Under the current wording from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), not every hand or arm contact is deemed an offence. However, it is punishable if a player deliberately moves their hand toward the ball or makes their body “unnaturally bigger” by placing their arm in a position not justifiable by their movement.
The debate is unlikely to fade any time soon, with high-profile incidents continuing to divide opinion across British football.
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