Mugabi: Review new handball rule
Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi insists players don’t know what handball is any more and has called for a review into the new rules.
The Ugandan international was left frustrated after the Steelmen had two penalties awarded against them in Sunday’s 5-1 defeat at home to Rangers.
Mugabi was penalised when Calvin Bassey’s cross into the box was flicked on by Scott Arfield and the ball struck his lower arm. Team-mate Liam Grimshaw was also punished soon after when the ball hit his hand from a corner.
New International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules for this season have ensured referees must penalise players for any handball below the armpit. And Mugabi insists that should be looked at after the“harsh” decisions at Fir Park.
The defender said:“I think they have to review it, for sure, because my arms were by my side, so I can’t really do anything.
“Should my arms be up? Or should they be down? What is it now?
“I think a lot of managers and players are frustrated about the rule.
“Personally, I’m very frustrated because that gave them the 1-0 lead.
“My view of the ball is just seeing it flicked into my arms, so I couldn’t really do anything. I thought my arms were by my side as well, so...this handball rule... nobody knows what is a handball and what isn’t. It’s a difficult one to take.
“I didn’t get a view of the other one because I was at the back post and Grimmy was at the front post.
“But from what I’ve heard it’s a harsh one as well.”