Manchester City had a relatively easy opening day victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Erling Haaland’s first-half goal gave the defending Premier League champions the perfect start inside the first twenty minutes, and Mateo Kovacic, an ex-blues midfielder, clinched the three points after reclaiming the ball in the middle of the pitch.

Despite his restrained celebrations, the Croatian was the public enemy number one at Stamford Bridge, and his goal only added to home fans’ dissatisfaction that Kovacic was not penalised for a handball in the penalty area. However, it is now clear why the 30-year-old was not punished for his claimed violation.

 
The incident in issue was the former Real Madrid playmaker attempting to charge down Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto in a 50/50 challenge. The French defender got to the ball first, and it ricocheted up onto Kovacic’s arm before dropping behind for the corner. Referee Anthony Taylor signalled for a corner, but Chelsea players quickly protested the decision as they waited for the VAR authorities’ verdict at Stockley Park.

 
The on-field ruling was maintained, and it was later found that Kovacic was standing too close to the ball for a penalty to be awarded. A similar reason was provided during a vital Euro 2024 encounter between Germany and eventual victors Spain, when a Jamal Musiala shot damaged Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella’s arm.

 
While the Kovacic incident may have been interpreted as a penalty last season, the head of the PGMOL, Howard Webb, disclosed that some minor tweaks had been made to the handball law, making players less likely to be punished in certain circumstances. Speaking with BBC Sport, Webb explained:

“We get a sense that we give too many handballs for actions that are quite normal and justifiable. The guidance to officials this season is less is more. You will see fewer harsh handball penalties.”

As a result of this modification, players are no longer required to assume a stiff stance with their arms totally down by their sides or behind their back when attempting to tackle or block. Instead, the arm position will be rated based on body movement and whether it is considered natural.