Penalty!

[Scott]

I cant remember which game it was, but it was on the other day, and a player had a goal bound shot (looked like it was going to beat the keeper) but it hit a defenders arm. It was obvious he didnt intentionally move his arm to stop it, but it was out at chest height. No penalty was awarded, and the commentators agreed.

Talking from a neutral point of view, I think any hand ball in the area, intentional or not, should be a penalty. Why should the advantage be played to a team who accidentally handballs in the area, over disadvantaging a team who made no mistake.

If a defender is the last man, and slides in with every intention of getting the ball, but takes down the player... he will be sent off and a free kick/penalty will be awarded. I dont understand why a team, who has a shot going in to the goal, should be penalised just because the opposition player accidentally stops the shot from going in with his arm.

If you hand ball in the area, accidentally or not, it should be a penalty as far as I'm concerned. What do you reckon?

[Red Yank]

I think a penalty for an unintentional handball is a bit harsh because there are many instances where the ball comes at you so fast that it hits a player before he has a chance to react. I'm all in favor for deliberate handballs should be penalized but not for those that happen accidentally

[onenedkelly]

As in Dwight Yorke yesterday it would have been more than unlucky for him had the ref give it

[Scott]

So the team who is about to score a perfectly legitimate goal should be penalised? And the team who makes the mistake, intentional or not, should not be penalised?

[Busby Boy]

I could handball it and make it look unintentional... ... the key is you turn your back and head at moment of contact so it looks accidental!

So my point is PENALTIES should be given