Hand? Or not? Müller takes a critical view of the rules
Thomas Müller is critical of the current interpretation of the hand rule in connection with video evidence. "I don't think anyone is happy with that," said the 34-year-old international after FC Bayern's 0-0 draw against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday evening on the streaming service DAZN. "I don't know if the guys and girls at FIFA are sitting in their room and saying that the hand rule is really great at the moment. I don't think so."
Referee Stephanie Frappart had reversed a handball decision for Munich in stoppage time after a video review. Peter Ankersen had also received the ball slightly on his forearm in the rib area in the penalty area. "I wouldn't have given the handball penalty either, but I think the rules allow it," said Müller. "At the moment, I have the feeling that the referees want to objectify the hand rule." But that doesn't work.
"You can't objectify the hand rule," said Müller. "Let the referees decide like they do with fouls." The referees should also decide depending on the situation. "Am I preventing a goal? A huge assist?" said Müller. "If I go towards the corner flag and get the ball against my hand, then I just get it against my hand. Let the referee decide subjectively, based on a few criteria of course. Give the referee the power."
Müller expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent application of the hand rule in soccer, particularly in the Champions League, mentioning the controversial decision during FC Bayern Munich's game against FC Copenhagen. "I believe FC Copenhagen's Peter Ankersen's handball in the penalty area shouldn't have resulted in a penalty," said Müller. Despite acknowledging the rule allows such decisions, he advocated for referees to maintain their subjective judgment in such situations, suggesting that objectification is not feasible.
Source: www.dpa.com
