Expert issues verdict on radical law change as controversial Tottenham image emerges
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted the handball law should not be changed despite the controversy as Tottenham beat Burnley 1-0 last weekend (15 May).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted Ashley Barnes should have been more careful when defending for Burnley.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme, Spurs were awarded a penalty when Davinson Sanchez’s pass struck the outstretched arm of the 32-year-old.
Harry Kane converted from the spot to score his 16th Premier League goal of the season and secure the three points.
Asked whether the handball law needs to be changed in the wake of the controversy at Spurs, Agbonlahor told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley: “Listen, I don’t think it was a penalty but I’m thinking of it from when I played the game.
“If everyone knows the rules now that if your arm is in the air and no matter what happens, if it hits it it’s a penalty, then you can’t argue.
“Ashley Barnes needs to know not to have his arms out. It doesn’t matter if it’s an accident when the ball hits you.
“It’s easier to understand when a penalty is a penalty now. Your hand could be picking your nose and the ball hits you and it’s a penalty. It’s just the rules.
“It’s very unlucky because it’s not deliberate but the rules are the rules. They might get one in their favour before the end of the season.
“With the old rules, how does a referee tell if its deliberate or not? You can be a good actor and make out like you didn’t mean it. It’s very difficult to judge it.
“I understand the new laws and if it’s the same for everyone then everyone knows to have their hands behind their back when they’re defending or a cross is coming in.”
In other news, a £50million-plus-valued Tottenham star is set to be made to train on his own this summer.