Manchester City’s opening day triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was rather straightforward. Erling Haaland’s first-half goal gave the defending Premier League champions the perfect start within the first twenty minutes, and Mateo Kovacic, an ex-blues midfielder, sealed the win after retrieving the ball in the middle of the pitch.
Despite his controlled celebrations, the Croatian was the public enemy number one at Stamford Bridge, and his goal further fuelled home fans’ displeasure that Kovacic was not penalised for a handball in the penalty area. However, it is now evident why the 30-year-old was not punished for the alleged breach.
The incident in question was the former Real Madrid playmaker attempting to charge down Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto in a 50-50 contest. The French defender was first to the ball, which ricocheted up into Kovacic’s arm before dropping behind for a corner. Referee Anthony Taylor indicated for a corner, but Chelsea players swiftly appealed the decision while waiting for the VAR officials’ ruling at Stockley Park.
The on-field decision was upheld, and it was later determined that Kovacic was too close to the ball for a penalty to be called. A similar explanation was given during a crucial Euro 2024 match between Germany and eventual winners Spain, when a Jamal Musiala shot injured Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s arm.
While the Kovacic incident may have been viewed as a penalty last season, Howard Webb, the head of the PGMOL, said that some modest changes had been made to the handball law, making players less likely to be punished in certain situations. Speaking with BBC Sport, Webb explained:
“We get a sense that we give too many handballs for actions that are quite normal and justifiable. The guidance to officials this season is less is more. You will see fewer harsh handball penalties.”
As a result of this change, players no longer need to take a stiff posture with their arms completely down by their sides or behind their back when attempting to tackle or block. Instead, the arm position will be evaluated based on body movement and whether it appears natural.
