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VAR Decision on Declan Rice Handball Challenged by Ex-Referees After ArsenalChelsea

Stockley Park’s view that Rice was under physical contact has sharpened calls for clearer enforcement of holding and handball at corners.

Overview

  • VAR reviewed the first-half corner incident and did not award Chelsea a penalty, with officials relaying that Rice was under physical contact.
  • Dermot Gallagher said a penalty should have been given for handball, arguing Rice moved his arm toward the ball and had it raised too high.
  • Jay Bothroyd contended the offence was holding, stating Rice’s arms were around Jorrel Hato and impeded his jump.
  • Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticised referees for ignoring such offences and expressed disappointment that IFAB has not addressed the issue.
  • The match finished 2-1 to Arsenal with multiple set-piece flashpoints also noted, including replays of William Saliba holding Joao Pedro and contact involving David Raya, and there has been no official reversal of the VAR call.