KEEP OUT dire says Eric
Handball rule’s
ERIC DIER admits being a defender these days is a nightmare.
But the Tottenham star, who spent the best part of two seasons begging to be converted from midfielder back to his preferred centre-half role, is not already contemplating another change.
Dier would love the football authorities to think again and return to the good old days when handball was either intentional or not – and judged on that criteria.
After all, as the Tottenham ace, 26, discovered to his cost last weekend, the new handball rules have made life for those tasked with stopping goals a complete minefield.
He was caught out last Sunday when, despite everyone reckoning it was accidental and unavoidable, Newcastle were awarded a point-saving penalty as Jamaal Lascelles’ header struck his arm.
Cue more uproar, demand for change and every football lover feeling confused and bemused by the International Football Association Board-led chaos inside Premier
League penalty areas every week. Ahead of today’s trip to Manchester United,
Dier said: “When it comes to my incident, the fact everyone seems to be of the same opinion – a rarity in football
– makes it very clear things aren’t right.
“If the opposition manager is saying after the game that he doesn’t think it’s a penalty, it’s clear.
“Everyone seems to be on the same page with it.
“You are terrified in and around the box with the new penalty rule, you don’t feel free to act, or to play in a normal way.”
Premier League referees’ chief Mike Riley has confirmed they are reconsidering how to apply the new guidelines.
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