If the ball hits the attacker's hand in the build-up to a goal *accidentally or not* it is handball. We've seen a lot of those this season (one recently for Sheff U). 2/
And the handball *was* in the build-up to the goal - Rice got control (via his hand), took a touch or two, and played in Snodgrass. Van Dijk's handball (?) before Mane's goal v Wolves was also in the build-up. 3/
[That one was missed (if the ball had hit his hand) because VAR had spent what seemed like hours checking Lallana's possible handball, and (if I remember well) the timing of the ref's whistle.] 4/
But the rule is rubbish. Different rules apply to attackers and defenders. If a ball ricochets off a defender's hand in the box, it is not a penalty. Intent, in that instance, matters. 5/
I can't see any reason for the difference. Why should inadvertent handballs by attackers be penalised? Referees can, and should be allowed to, judge the intent. They do that where defenders are concerned... 6/
But the problem isn't the referee. It isn't VAR. It's the rules. 7/7
