By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
Hiku said:
Slimebeast said:

Everyone in the Swedish TV studio, including football pros were outraged. So it can't be that hilarious what I argue. In top cup football there are several fouls being commited during every game, fouls that technically with a strict interpretation of the rule book would give a penalty, but refs are wise and most of the time allow them to pass in order to safeguard the balance of the game. The balance and fairness of the game is top priority for a referee. Unless orders come from above that demands the balance to be broken.

The thing is to understand the magnitude of a semi-final and decide whether you as a football fan want them to allow a minor foul to risk destroying the outcome. This time they allowed, and it did.

Not on the SVT broadcast that I was watching. Quite the opposite.
The first panel member said that Schweinstager had his hand "unnaturally high" and "I can buy that it was a penalty in this situation."
The second panel member said "It was harsh at first when you couldn't really see what happened, but according to the rules it was a correct decision. He should not have been flailing his arms like that."

After the deflection the ball ended up by the feet of a German player. If there was no handball deflection, it could have ended up by the feet of a French player. Things like that affect the game. The reffs don't have the instant replay technology or multiple camera angles at their disposal to judge where the trajectory of the ball would have lead it to without the handball.

Thank you. Claiming it didn't affect the play is pure nonsense.



Just because you have an opinion doesn't mean you are necessarily right.