Source:
REUTERS/CARL RECINE
[Saba
Sports News] The Premier League recently released a statement regarding the
response of Howard Webb, the director of the referee company, to recent
controversies. Specifically addressing the Liverpool vs. Arsenal game, Webb
acknowledged that the failure to recognize Martin Odegaard’s handball in the
penalty area was indeed a misjudgment. In the 18th round of the Premier League,
Liverpool and Arsenal played to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool’s home ground. During
the first half, Odegaard handled the ball in the penalty area, but no penalty
was awarded. Webb expressed his opinion, stating, “I believe it was a
penalty kick. The on-field referee recognized that Odegaard slipped and
observed his arm extended towards the ground, what we commonly refer to as a
‘support arm.’ When someone falls, it is natural to use your arms to break the
fall. It is evident that Odegaard did not accidentally touch the ball. He
slipped, extended his arm towards the ball, and then retracted it towards his
body, giving him a significant advantage when the ball made contact with his
arm. Whether it was instinctive or deliberate, retracting his hand to his body
provided him with a considerable advantage.” Webb emphasized that fans
also understand that a penalty kick should have been awarded in this situation.