Fan Points Out Ridiculous Inconsistency In Handball Rule

Declan Rice's 'handball' against Sheffield United caused controversy after it led to West Ham being denied a last minute equaliser and fans are pointing out how inconsistent the rule is.

The Hammers thought they had an injury time goal against Sheffield United on Friday night when Robert Snodgrass looked to have scored but in the build up the ball was headed against Rice's hand.

VAR ruled the goal out with the change in the handball rule meaning even an accidental handling in the scoring of a goal would be ruled out.

But fans have pointed out that some far more blatant handballs have somehow been missed, even by VAR.

Incredibly the three examples are all from Liverpool games. Image: PA Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to handle the ball in Liverpool's win over Manchester City earlier in the season with the Reds going up the other end of the pitch within a minute to open the scoring.

Some argued that there had been a handball by a City player before the ball reached Alexander-Arnold but it didn't excuse VAR not picking up on the full-backs handling before the goal.

The second example saw Virgil van Dijk control the ball during the game against Wolves on December 29th. The Dutch defender played the ball upfield after the incident with Sadio Mane scoring after Adam Lallana failed to control the ball.

VAR checked a potential handling from Lallana but for some reason failed to check Van Dijk controlling the ball with his arm in the lead up to the goal, far more blatant than the Rice incident.

In the Premier League leader's game against Aston Villa in November, one of their trickier games this season, they trailed Villa 1-0 when there was huge handball controversy.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal bound shot was virtually saved by the Villa defender but the referee didn't point to the spot, before Roberto Firmino was later ruled offside for his equaliser due to his armpit.

Which decisions do you think were right and which were wrong?

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sheffield United, Handball, Premier League, Declan Rice, Virgil Van Dijk, West Ham, VAR

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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