The VAR Review 2025/2026

[well_said]

2 hours ago, Spiderpig said:

Just for information

Key Rules & Punishments (IFAB Laws of the Game)Definition:

Deliberate handball is moving the hand/arm toward the ball or positioning them to make the body unnaturally larger (not justifiable by body movement).

Restart: A direct free kick is awarded at the spot of the offense.

A penalty kick is awarded if it occurs inside the defender's penalty area.

Disciplinary Action (Cards)

:Red Card: If a player denies a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) by deliberately handling the ball, they are sent off.

Yellow Card: If a player stops a promising attack (SPA) or handles the ball intentionally but without denying an obvious goal, they may be cautioned.No Card:

Incidental handball that does not stop a promising attack or break a specific rule (like scoring directly with the hand) might result in only a free kick.

Specific Scenarios

Scoring with Hand/Arm:

It is an automatic foul if a player scores directly from their hand/arm, or immediately after it touches their hand/arm, even if accidental.Defending Penalty Area: A defender who intentionally handles the ball to prevent a goal in the box receives a red card and a penalty is given.Goalkeeper:

If a goalkeeper handles the ball outside their penalty area, they are subject to the same rules as other players (usually a yellow/red card and direct free kick)

.Accidental Touch: If the ball touches a player's hand directly from their own head or body (e.g., a deflection off their knee), it is generally not considered a penalty offence.Note: The boundary for a handball offense is the bottom of the armpit.

Could you let collum know because that useless twat has no knowledge of the laws of the game.

[weeyin]

5 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

I'm not doubting you. So, in the eyes of the SFA, intent is not relevant.   

The new handball rules were created to remove the interpretation of intent and any subjectivity from decision making. 

It was a reasonable idea as, of course, the only person who knows their intent is the player. 

It was a disaster of an implementation, however, and unlikely to ever be practical. 

So what we have now is a hybrid of soft unintentional penalties plus some situations where refs still need to assess intent. 

[cambo97]

15 hours ago, Kmcalpin said:

I'm not doubting you. So, in the eyes of the SFA, intent is not relevant.   

Not just the SFA, it part of the laws of the game. I think it's because in theory a deliberate hand ball could result in an advantage to the other team, for example if the ball is going out for a throw in and somebody catches it the other team gets a free kick which is more advantageous than a throw in.

Like you I thought a deliberate hand ball was a yellow and only recently found out it's not.