I don't watch the Rags unless we play them mate, such is my utter hatred for them, so I can't comment on that one.
There will always be an element of interpretation. Handball is handball, however if the arm is down & the ball hit with power from short range, I've seen calls like that correctly ruled out because of the close proximity.
However, who determines what "close proximity" is & what a "power shot/pass" is? Again this is where interpretation & opinion come in.
Having said this, the arm being away from the body in an unnatural position is probably the closest we'll get to a resolution where there's more for this rule than against it.
But again as pointed out by Grealish, how's he supposed to jump & keep his arms down whilst trying to gain leverage?
It's unfair as Grealish evidently didn't intentionally intend to handle the ball, but I'll give you a scenario if you can be so kind as to give me your considered opinion...
So when keepers are faced with an onrushing player preparing to shoot, goalies are told to make themselves as big as possible to provide a block. I think on this one we can all agree.
Now as someone commented earlier, all handball's should be judged on intent, which is all about interpretation & opinion. But here's a scenario...
A defender (just like a keeper) makes himself big to block a chance which strikes his outstretched arm. He knows a cross or shot is coming, he makes himself big & turns to the side so he's not looking at the ball & the ball strikes his outstretched arm, blocking a cross or shot.
A. Is that handball?
B. Is it intentional?
C. Is it unintentional?
