In the recent Premier League match that saw Arsenal face off against Aston Villa, the controversial decision involving a disallowed goal for handball has sparked debate, with former referee Mike Dean weighing in on the matter.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has hinted at a potential rule change following another controversial decision in Arsenal‘s recent defeat at Aston Villa.
The incident in question involved Kai Havertz‘s disallowed goal for handball, a decision that left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta visibly furious, along with most Arsenal fans.
Near the end of the match, a shot struck Aston Villa’s Matty Cash‘s arm before deflecting onto Havertz, who then scored.
The goal, however, was disallowed for handball, a call that Dean, who retired from refereeing last year after 22 years in the Premier League, agrees with, albeit reluctantly.
Dean expressed his views while on Sky Sports, stating, “It’s 100 per cent the right decision.” He elaborated, saying, “It’s something I don’t agree with but the way the law is written by IFAB, that if it strikes any part of your hand or arm and you put the ball in the back of the net, then you have to disallow it.”
He gave credit to the referee Jarred Gillett for his decision at Villa Park, acknowledging that while the ball did hit Cash’s hand, it was in a normal position and thus not considered handball.
However, since the ball subsequently struck Havertz’s hand and led to a goal, the disallowance was correct under current laws.
Dean highlighted the inconsistency and perceived unfairness in the current rules, explaining, “If it hits Havertz’s hand and drops down to Eddie Nketiah and Nketiah puts the ball in the back of the net then you’re giving a goal.
“That’s why the law is so unfair.”
He continued, “That’s what’s wrong about it because if it drops down to Nketiah, who’s half a yard next to him, and knocks the ball into the back of the net, the goal gets given.
“It’s just a poor law, really poor.”
When asked about the possibility of a rule change, Dean remarked, “I like to think it would, to give people a bit more clarity what’s going on.”
He acknowledged the complexities involved in changing the rule, stating, “But then you’re messing around again with, ‘why are we changing every single year?’ So there’s got to be some kind of clarity with what’s going on.”
Arteta, who watched the match from the stands due to a suspension from receiving three yellow cards, stormed off before the match’s conclusion.
He later expressed his frustration, asserting that he felt “clear and obvious” errors went against his team.
It’s hard to argue, given that the two matches Arsenal have lost this season in the Premier League have both seen huge refereeing errors impact the final scoreline.
This also comes in the same week as the FA stated they think it is fair to treat Mikel Arteta differently to other managers.