[ad_1]
Publication date: Saturday, September 26, 2020 6:20 AM
Roy Hodgson was unapologetic in his criticism of the new handball rules after a penalty was all that separated Crystal Palace and Everton.
Hodgson Palace fell 2-1 to Everton, whose winning goal came courtesy of a Richarlison penalty after Joel Ward was deemed to have handled the ball.
But Hodgson believes the new rule that led to the decision is “bullshit” and could lead to teams exploiting it in unsportsmanlike ways.
“I think the rule is silly,” he complained. “I cannot understand how everyone in football – the Premier League, referees, coaches and coaches – has allowed this rule to take effect.
“He is ruining football, there is no doubt about that. We cannot understand what constitutes handball and what does not.
“The idea that you can see this on a screen and this constitutes handball. It’s absolute nonsense. I don’t want to profit from it or lose.
“I predict that what will happen is that the players will start throwing the ball in one hand and yelling handball.
“A really good game destroyed by a decision. I don’t believe in the rule. People in football have a hard time accepting it ”.
‘The referee doesn’t think it’s handball’
The former England coach later claimed that the referee also did not believe that it should have been handball, but is simply at the mercy of the rules.
It overshadowed what Hodgson felt was a good performance from his side, even though the points were missed.
And he added: “The referee doesn’t think it’s handball either. You don’t want to give it, but you have to because that’s what they tell you to do.
“We have lost in a way that I find totally unacceptable.
“I have no complaints about our performance. I thought it was very good. If it weren’t for the handball decisions, I’d be talking about a very good soccer game here.
“Instead, I have to make bold statements, for which I do not apologize. I am desperate for a rule that I think is ruining football.
[ad_2]
