Lineker claims he has ‘very reliable information’ the handball law will change
Gary Lineker claims he has ‘very reliable information’ handball law will be changed… as Man United benefit from controversial penalty in FA Cup final
- Jack Grealish would have fielded and Bruno Fernandes equalized
- Gary Lineker claimed the handball law will change amid the penalty shootout controversy
- LIVE BLOG: Follow Mail Sport’s live coverage of the final at Wembley HERE
Gary Lineker has claimed the handball law will be simplified as pundits criticized Man United’s controversial award of a penalty in the FA Cup final against Man City.
Jack Grealish is said to have handled the ball in the penalty area, despite his arm appearing to be in a natural position.
Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bisaka headed from close range to Grealish’s hand, with the winger’s arm outstretched as he had tried to jump for the ball.
Speaking to the BBC, Lineker claimed to have information that handball will be simplified amid continued criticism of the current law.
‘[It is] probably technically similar to the way the law is now, but I’m sure we can all agree that the law is an absurdity right now,” Lineker said.
Man City’s Jack Grealish, right, was controversially penalized for a handball in the FA Cup final
Gary Lineker claimed at half time that he had information that handball law will be changed
The BBC pundits admitted that referee Paul Tierney made the right call, but ruled out the law
“I have very reliable information that they are going to simplify that law.
“Almost back to where it was, common sense.
“I think it’s absurd that idea of a natural position, unless it’s not attached to your body, it’s in a natural position.”
Former Man United and Man City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel claimed referee Paul Tierney’s decision was correct under the current interpretation of the law.
Schmeichel and fellow expert Alan Shearer both criticized the current interpretation, with the latter labeling the law “appalling.”
“The penalty is the right decision, but it’s a silly rule. They took advantage of the rule here,” said Schmeichel.
Shearer added, “I have to be careful what I say here because I tend to swear, it annoys me so much, but I can’t.
“It’s terrible the law. They talk about natural, unnatural, high hand and closeness, but that’s natural.
Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty kick to equalize for Man United in the first half of the final
“That’s a natural position when you head the ball and you come back down. What the hell are you supposed to do?’
Bruno Fernandes’ successful penalty saw United equalize in the final after Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest FA Cup final goal.
The German midfielder restored City’s lead at the start of the second half.
