Why wasn't that handball by Atletico a penalty?

[Mosiah]

In the dying moments of the Champions League match between Atletico and Barca, an Atletico player handled a ball played by Iniesta. A freekick outside the area was awarded, even though it was quite clear that the handled ball was within the penalty area (in the air).

Perhaps the officials just missed that fact and gave a freekick outside the area because that was where one leg of the offending player was in contact with the ground.

What is the rule here, gurus?

[Peter R]

I don't know... I am guessing that the "rule" must be similar to a ball being out of play, or a goal being scored... has to be completely over the line.

[Paul Marin]

I don't know... I am guessing that the "rule" must be similar to a ball being out of play, or a goal being scored... has to be completely over the line.

I think you are 100% karek! As I understand it, it is based on where the ball is when the hand made contact. The ball had to be completely over the line for it to be considered in the box. So if the ball was inside the area when contact was made, then, handball. Otherwise, no handball; e.g. ball partially over the line, hand (completely in the box) touches it deliberately, no penalty. That's my understanding.

[Peter R]

I just re-read what Mo wrote and he is saying (I think) that the ball was inside the area, and only one of the player's feet was outside... therefore based on what you're saying it should have been a penalty if that was in fact the case. The refs must have thought the ball was not in the area. I didn't see the match or any video, so just guessing.

[Mosiah]

There is no question that the whole ball was over the line, completely inside the penalty area. So, it must have been something else.

I do understand the officials could easily have just missed the placement of player and ball when it happened.

Check it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP0L4w1rrSI

From minute 11:14

[Peter R]

Penalty! The ref was either fooled because the player stepped out, or, he's not a Barca fan!

[Paul Marin]

There is no question that the whole ball was over the line, completely inside the penalty area. So, it must have been something else.

I do understand the officials could easily have just missed the placement of player and ball when it happened.

Check it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP0L4w1rrSI

From minute 11:14

Or...they could be factoring the proximity of the defender to the attacker when the ball was kicked. According to Graham Poll (retired Prem ref):

Regarding handball they now ask the referee to consider the proximity of the potential offender to the person last playing the ball, the speed of the ball and importantly whether the offender's arms are in a natural or unnatural position.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz463GNtuks

[Muadib]

It was a blown call.

[Mosiah]

Or...they could be factoring the proximity of the defender to the attacker when the ball was kicked. According to Graham Poll (retired Prem ref):

Regarding handball they now ask the referee to consider the proximity of the potential offender to the person last playing the ball, the speed of the ball and importantly whether the offender's arms are in a natural or unnatural position.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz463GNtuks

Well, a freekick was awarded, just not a penalty, so if they were going to factor in proximity, that should apply regardless of where the ball was handled.

This was a clear hand ball violation. The only question is whether it should have been a penalty. For me - PENALTY!!!

[Paul Marin]

Well, a freekick was awarded, just not a penalty, so if they were going to factor in proximity, that should apply regardless of where the ball was handled.

True.