Premier League explain difference between Matthijs de Ligt and Rayan Ait-Nouri’s handball decisions

The Premier League have had major controversy surrounding handballs over the last week, which includes Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt.

During Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, Matthijs de Ligt was punished for a handball inside the box.

Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball and De Ligt, who was right next to the Liverpool midfielder, unfortunately had his arm up and it resulted in a penalty.

It was a decision that split opinion, with some fans pointing out the close proximity between the two players during the incident.

The Premier League Match Centre did not consider that during their explanation, and instead focused on the ‘unnatural position’ De Ligt’s arm was in.

Premier League explain difference between De Ligt and Ait-Nouri handballs

It was just over 24 hours later when controversy struck once again, when Wolves escaped a penalty against Nottingham Forest when Rayan Ait-Nouri’s handball inside the area went unpunished.

The full-back was defending a cross, which clearly struck has arm. Interestingly, the defender had his arm tucked in before moving it towards the ball.

The Premier League Match Centre said: “The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Ait-Nouri was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed his arm was in a natural position.”

This, quite simply, is ridiculous. You have two isolated incidents where one player purposively moves their arm away from their body and towards the ball, and another where the player has absolutely no idea about the ball striking his arm.

In De Ligt’s case, you can say that he is clumsy but it is not ‘unnatural’, whereas that is exactly what you can describe Ait-Nouri’s situation as. The inconsistency is the biggest problem.

Amorim’s view on referees

Ruben Amorim has stated that he will not push back on refereeing decisions, or mistakes, made in United fixtures.

“I never speak about referees and will not start now,” he claimed after United’s controversial Carabao Cup exit, where Altay Bayindir was being fouled for Tottenham Hotspur’s winning goal.

However, we also remember Erik ten Hag saying similar things when he was in the early stages of his United stint. Ultimately, the final nail in the coffin for him to be sacked was a clear and obvious refereeing mistake.

Read More: Rúben Amorim handed Viktor Gyökeres transfer boost as club ruled out of Manchester United battle

Amorim is a smooth operator in the press, so it will be interesting whether he sticks to his word on the officials. Although, no fan would blame him if he came out against the incompetency.

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