Nagelsmann Calls for Handball Law Changes as Germany Crash Out of Euro 2024
Controversial Moment Denies Hosts Penalty in Quarterfinal Loss to Spain
The UEFA European Championship quarterfinal between Spain and Germany was marred by controversy on July 5, as Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann called for changes to the handball law following a contentious decision that denied his side a penalty.
The match, which was played in front of a capacity crowd in Munich, saw Germany take the lead through Leon Goretzka in the first half. However, Spain equalized through Dani Olmo in the second half, and the match went to extra time.
In extra time, Germany were denied a penalty when Marc Cucurella appeared to handle the ball in the box. The referee, however, waved away the appeals, and Spain went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Mikel Merino.
Nagelsmann was furious after the match and called for changes to the handball law. "It's clear that the handball law is not working," he said. "We were denied a clear penalty today, and it cost us the game."
The handball law has been a source of controversy in recent years, with many calling for it to be clarified. The current law states that a penalty should be awarded if a player "deliberately handles the ball with their arm or hand, or if the ball strikes their arm or hand when it is in an unnatural position and makes their body bigger."
However, the interpretation of the law has been inconsistent, and there have been numerous cases where players have been penalized for handling the ball even when it was accidental.
Nagelsmann's call for changes to the law is likely to be echoed by many other managers and players. The current law is simply not working, and it is costing teams valuable points.
Komentar