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.

[mfc88]

On 5/3/2026 at 3:35 PM, SteelmaninOZ said:

I know you’re all waiting with baited breath for this 

 

 

See if you close your eyes and just listen, you can almost picture it as a jonathan watson "only an excuse" comedy sketch 😂

[Alpha1886]

Re Hearts game.
Bayern v PSG Champions League semifinal. PSG defender dives low to head a bouncing ball and receives a kick in the head from Kane who is attempting to play the ball. Ref immediately stops play for treatment to PSG player and restarts play with a drop ball - no foul or any action taken against Kane. Obviously the ref applied rule that PSG player put himself in danger. So Collum is advising Scottish refs to apply the rules differently or a different set of rules than those applied in the Champions League! 🤔

[dennyc]

8 hours ago, Alpha1886 said:

Re Hearts game.
Bayern v PSG Champions League semifinal. PSG defender dives low to head a bouncing ball and receives a kick in the head from Kane who is attempting to play the ball. Ref immediately stops play for treatment to PSG player and restarts play with a drop ball - no foul or any action taken against Kane. Obviously the ref applied rule that PSG player put himself in danger. So Collum is advising Scottish refs to apply the rules differently or a different set of rules than those applied in the Champions League! 🤔

Collum adjusts the Laws to justify errors made by his team. He will not admit to any mistakes that affect outcomes of games and the presenter will not challenge him. Example   ....     Re half way line sendings off - " it is not about whether players are likely to get round to cover. It's about the speed of the forward " He actually said that on air!  Think it was the week when a Falkirk player was sent off against Utd despite two defenders being in a position to challenge the player who was fouled.

That is one of the many flaws with IFAB instructions. Each Association or competition is able to implement the Laws as they see fit. And the more they tamper, the worse it gets.  English Clubs always highlight the different hand ball rules that apply in European tournaments. Bayern Munich have an axe to grind in that regard as well following their loss to PSG. Remember when Spain decided that every hand ball in the box was a penalty and a yellow or red card no matter what? Thankfully they were open enough to eventually drop that guidance.  

Until our Officials, and Collum in particular, are prepared to be honest and accept mistakes are made then nothing will improve. And that won't happen until the Laws are applied consistently across all countries and competitions. Basically, Collum drives how the Laws are applied in Scotland. Possibly why no Scottish Officials are deemed able enough to be at the World Cup in any capacity. Speaks volumes.

 

[wellfan]

1 hour ago, dennyc said:

Basically, Collum drives how the Laws are applied in Scotland. Possibly why no Scottish Officials are deemed able enough to be at the World Cup in any capacity. Speaks volumes.

Possibly? Unless Collum pumped FIFA’s maw, the collective incompetence is definitely the reason.