Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanation
Referee Review
Why was this decision made?
See the key points from a referee’s perspective
Show explanationHow the footage and Laws apply
Two things stand out: the referee's adjustment in position and the handball decision. After the short corner, play switched across the field, and the referee changed position to follow it. The short interval between the arm contact and the whistle suggests the referee had a clear view and made the decision immediately. The assistant referee may also have helped, although the footage does not establish that. Not every touch on a hand or arm is a handball offence. The footage shows the defender's left arm extended away from the body while responding to the cross, making the body unnaturally bigger. The ball was blocked by that arm, so the penalty kick appears justified. The referee kept up with the change in play and judged the contact with confidence.
Relevant Laws
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct (Handling the ball) / Law 5 – The Referee (Positioning)
Official references
Check the wording of the Laws
The links above lead to official IFAB and JFA resources. The application of the Laws to this incident is the author’s analysis and is not an official view of IFAB, JFA or the competition organiser.
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