Celtic Liam Scales has been left confused about the application of the handball rule in Scottish football after a controversial 90 minutes at Tynecastle last week.
Toshiki Iwata was found to have handled the ball, and Hearts won 2-0 thanks to the penalty. This allowed the host team to score their first goal.
Iwata may have been off balance when he struck his elbow because he was unable to see the ball, which may have come off another player.
In the wake of this foolish choice, manager Brendan Rodgers and other analysts have expressed their disapproval.
Liam Scales on Celtic handball confusion vs Hearts
For Scales and the Celtic players, it was all utterly confusing.
The defender said in a media conference today when asked if players are clear on what constitutes a handball: “Some might be, I’m not really, to be honest. It surprised me, watching it back especially.
“No one on the pitch really knew what had happened. Tomoki didn’t even know until half-time that it was supplied in opposition to him. I’m not sure if it was awarded against Ali specifically, though. Sure, it was unexpected, but that’s football.
“I’ve used the arms behind the back technique while stopping shots or pressuring an opponent because you know it’s a handball if they shoot and it strikes your arm on its way to the goal.
However, it’s physically challenging to jump without raising yourself up with your arms. Your limbs are pulled in different directions and respond differently when players make contact with one another. When these things are on your mind, it can be difficult to defend yourself naturally because sometimes it’s beyond your control.
Scales was also questioned on the use of VAR in general and he acknowledged it can be difficult for players to deal with, stating: “It’s completely changed the game. You’re constantly waiting – for every goal that is scored you’re waiting to see if it’s disallowed or every challenge you’re waiting to see if it’s pulled back. You always have to be ready for the decision to be changed which is difficult at times.”
Players who are left completely perplexed by rulings and uncertain about how their performance will be read moving ahead should not be optimistic about the game or the SFA’s implementation of the regulations.
Iwata did not do anything improper at Tynecastle, yet Celtic and the player were nonetheless penalized. Not only the Bhoys are having problems, but other teams have voiced their dissatisfaction with VAR and refereeing in this nation this season.
Enhancement is required, however it appears that the SFA is more concerned with criticizing managers for voicing their thoughts than addressing the important problems.
