Hodgson claims rule changes ‘ruining’ game

LONDON: Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson lambasted the interpretation of the handball rule after his side became the latest victim of a soft penalty award in a 2-1 defeat by Everton on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men extended their perfect start to go top of the Premier League as Richarlison’s controversial spot-kick split the sides after Cheikhou Kouyate cancelled out Dominic CalvertLewin’s fifth goal of the campaign.

Eagles defender Joel Ward was penalised for handball after the video assistant referee advised Kevin Friend to consult the pitchside monitor.

“I have to make bold statements, which I make no apologies for. I have despair about a rule that I believe is ruining the game of football,” said Hodgson.

The former England manager was equally scathing of the easy awarding of penalties for handball when his side were the beneficiaries for their second goal in a 3-1 win at Manchester United last weekend.

“I predict what will happen is players will start flicking the ball on to a hand and screaming handball,” added Hodgson. “A really good game destroyed by a decision.”

Everton held on in the second half to make it three successive league victories and five wins in a row in all competitions, suggesting they could be contenders for a top-four finish.

“We have to look only for the momentum, that is good in this moment. In a busy time with another game on Wednesday, we have to keep the motivation, ambition and we are doing really well. The danger is behind us all the time when we do not behave properly,” said Ancelotti.