Tottenham expert backs drastic rule change as Richarlison footage re-analysed
Alan Hutton has backed a change to the handball rule after Tottenham were denied a penalty last weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and Rangers defender said the handball rule “needs addressed” after some of the poor decisions he has witnessed.
As shown on Sky Sports (20 February), West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer appeared to handle the ball inside the box as he fell to the ground from Richarlison’s tackle.
Referee Michael Oliver didn’t feel that the incident warranted a penalty and the decision was upheld by the VAR official who didn’t feel the referee had made a clear and obvious error.
Earlier this month (12 February), Rangers conceded a penalty in their Scottish Cup tie against Partick Thistle after a header struck Antonio Colak’s arm from incredibly close range inside the box.
Referee David Munro didn’t initially point to the spot but was told to re-watch the incident on the pitchside monitor, at which point he awarded the penalty.
Hutton insisted something needs to be done about the “grey area” in the handball rules.
“I have tried to say it before, because there is this area it is so subjective it really just depends,” he told Football Insider.
“So if they could tweak the rule, they should.
“Even the Colak incident against Partick Thistle, I thought it was a normal movement to header the ball, what are you supposed to do? So I think it is something that needs looked at and addressed.“
In other news, according to sources, Tottenham are doing background checks on lifestyle of Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez.