Solskjaer calls for clarity on handball

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says managers need more clarity on the Premier League’s handball rule after a series of controversial decisions in the opening weeks of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur were denied a victory on Sunday after Newcastle United were awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a handball by Eric Dier, who was facing away from the ball when he jumped.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was also on the receiving end of a harsh penalty decision during their 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.

“There are no fans, it’s a different game,” Solskjaer said.

“Pre-season we were at different stages, the new handball rule ... you never know what’s going to happen.

“You can discuss it all day long but we need some clarity on what’s a foul and what’ sa penalty.

“Now it looks like you can chip the ball into someone’s hand, like what happened to us against Palace, and Victor got a penalty against him.

“Then the header against Tottenham, he’s got no idea the ball hits him,” Solskjaer said.

“Much of the controversy focuses on handballs where the referee rules their arm or hand is in an ‘unnatural position’ or making the body bigger.

“The previous, established law relied on referees making a judgment as to whether a handball was intentional or not. “We need to get that clarity.” .

Former England midfielder Ryan Mason said, “You’re going to get guys challenging not using their arms and almost leading with their head. That’s not good for the game.”

Any move to change the rule would need to be submitted in October. —