Ex-Fifa official can’t believe controversial Wood-Newcastle United footage after ‘taking a close look’
Keith Hackett has suggested the handball law is not fit for purpose after Newcastle United almost saw their goal in the 5-1 defeat to Tottenham ruled out for handball.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed the accidental handball law in its current state is “nonsense”.
VAR checked Fabian Schar’s free-kick goal after it almost came into contact with Chris Wood‘s arm before Hugo Lloris parried it into his own net.
After a review, it was adjudged that no contact was made and the goal stood.
Their lead lasted for less than five minutes and Spurs went on to score four more goals in the second half.
“I’ve had a close look at that and, for me, there’s been no contact with the arm so it’s correct that the goal stands,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“However, it’s right to say and clarify that if it had hit the forward’s hand accidentally and it went into the goal then the goal would be disallowed but it didn’t.
“Whatever contact is made, accidentally with the hand or arm then it would be ruled out. But I’ve had a close look at this and there is no contact in my opinion.
“That is the nonsense of the accidental handball law. Sometimes I think people who change the laws haven’t played the game.”
After a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, Newcastle have now lost their last three games.
They are nine points above the relegation places with nine more games to play.
In other news, Newcastle United have been tipped to bin Matt Targett and sign a 19-year-old after a transfer update.