The Handball Rule Comes Back into Focus After Kilmarnock Game

This season, one of the most hotly contested topics has been the interpretation of the handball rule. With recent changes implemented by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the line between what constitutes a handball offence and what doesn’t has become increasingly blurred.

During a recent match between Kilmarnock and Rangers, this confusion surrounding the handball rule came to the forefront once again. Let’s examine three key incidents from the game and the subsequent commentary from renowned referee Bobby Madden.

Before we do that lets reference the handball rule that IFAB updated before the 2022/2023 started. Please note that some football associations, including the SFA have issued further guidance on more specific scenarios to guide the referees decision making.

The Handball Rule Published by the International Football Association Board

it is an offence if a player:

• deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm, for example moving the hand/arm towards the ball
  
• touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger. A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised
  
• scores in the opponents’ goal:
  
  • directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper
    
  • immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental

Handball Incidents During Kilmarnock v Rangers Game

John Lundstram – Penalty Award to Kilmarnock. No VAR Intervention

The first incident occurred when John Lundstram found himself at the centre of a handball controversy. As the ball struck his arm while attempting to block a cross, Lundstram’s arm was positioned close to his body, arguably not making himself unnaturally bigger. Despite this, a penalty was awarded to Kilmarnock, and surprisingly, no VAR intervention was initiated. Madden criticized the lack of VAR involvement, highlighting the importance of utilizing technology to ensure accurate decision-making.

Easy to understand the live decision due to where arm position finishes. At the point of contact the arm is tight to the body and the defender does not make themselve unnaturally bigger. Difficult to understand why an on field review wasn’t suggested and a still of the point of contact presented to the referee. If I can identify that image on my phone, VAR should be able to find it with a system that’s costing the clubs well over a million a year.

Ex Professional Referee – Bobby Madden via his Instagram Account

Cyriel Dessers Opportunity – No Penalty to Rangers, No VAR Intervention

In another instance, Cyriel Dessers applied pressure on a Kilmarnock defender, resulting in the ball unintentionally hitting the defender’s hand. While no penalty was awarded, Madden supported the decision, emphasising that players shouldn’t be penalised for accidental handballs when attempting to play the ball.

This is not a penalty. You can’t punish a player for playing a ball against their own hand/arm. Would really appreciate people starting to recognise that.

Ex Professional Referee – Bobby Madden via his Instagram Account

Lewis Mayo – No Penalty to Rangers, No VAR Intervention

Finally, a controversial moment arose when Lewis Mayo’s hand made contact with the ball while attempting to block a cross. Madden strongly asserted that this should have been a penalty, criticising the VAR team for not recommending an on-field review. He emphasised that such decisions are precisely why VAR was implemented in the first place.

Very difficult to see this contact live. There is a clear image of the ball making contact with an outstretched hand. These are the crucial decisions VAR was introduced to resolve.

Ex Professional Referee – Bobby Madden via his Instagram Account

Conclusion on the Handball Incidents During Kilmarnock v Rangers Match

Despite these contentious decisions, Rangers ultimately emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock. However, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has taken note of these incidents and plans to review them through an independent panel.

The Kilmarnock-Rangers match serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding the interpretation of the handball rule in football. While technology such as VAR is intended to enhance decision-making, its effectiveness relies heavily on its consistent and accurate application. As the debate continues, it’s essential for football’s governing bodies to address these issues to ensure fairness and integrity within the sport.