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
Watch the movement of the Rennes defending player's arm. Whether that movement was natural or unnatural is the key to judging this handball offence. The footage shows that, as the cross from the free kick came in, the player raised an arm to appeal for offside. As the ball came close, the player tried to lower the outstretched arm, and the ball struck it. At the moment of contact, the arm was well away from the body, and the player had made their body unnaturally bigger. Taking all of this into account, the referee's decision to give a handball offence and award a penalty kick was reasonable and convincing, making this a good decision.
Relevant Laws
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct (Handling the ball)
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.
Was it handball? Watch the clip and check the reasoning in the app.
See how the Laws separate an unnatural enlargement of the body from accidental contact, then try a related quiz.
Watch handball clips in the appRelated Scenes
[Handball / Penalty Kick] The referee spots the movement of a fallen player's left arm | 2026/27 UEFA Europa League League Phase Matchday 3 Juventus vs Rennes
[Handball / Penalty Kick] A rare incident in which a team-mate handled the ball after a goal kick was taken, and a penalty kick was awarded | 2023 J3 League Matchweek 14 Azul Claro Numazu vs Y.S.C.C. Yokohama