The image above is one that we have seen more often than usual this new EPL season, which leads me to ask the question.
Is the VAR and the revised English FA Handball rule potentially ruining the beautiful game we all enjoy so much with its excitement and uncertainties? That's for sure a question that every fan of the EPL will have various opinions on.
The new handball rules especially in the 18-yard box with the assistance of the VAR has lead to record number of penalties (20) awarded in just the 3rd GW of the 2020/21 season. Possible handball incidents in the 18-yard box that some few years back will never be given any attention, is now in the modern game scrutinized to very last detail all made possible by the VAR.
Take for example the GW 2 fixture between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. A game which Palace won by 3 goals to 1. The penalty decision against Victor Lindelof was just so unimaginable. Also, last Saturday's fixture involving Brighton and Manchester United at the Annex Stadium showcased yet another of such penalty decision. Which of course proved to be the match winner for Man United as Bruno Fernandes calmly converted.
Last season, Manchester United was talked about by everyone as benefiting so much from penalty decisions. But if the precedent we have witnessed so far continues in the EPL, we are going to see many other teams having record number of penalties being awarded them. But what can we do? We just have to accept it as the new normal.
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