Nigeria were 1-1 with Argentina heading into the final quarter of the game when Ahmed Musa's cross is deflected into the air, where it was headed by Marcos Rojo onto his own arm.
The Super Eagles called for a penalty and after much deliberation on the pitch, the referee consulted with the VAR and decided that there was no spot-kick to be given.
The referee said "It was the right decision as it was poor defending, but not intentional by Rojo."
Now... Nigerian are saying Argentina’s Rojo committed handball penalty.
To me: No, it is not a penalty.
Reason: Firstly, we must understand the Handball rule - What is a deliberate offense and what is not?
*What is 'deliberate' handball?*
In Fifa's Laws of the Game 2005, Law 12 says a free-kick or penalty will be awarded if a player "handles the ball deliberately"
*Natural Positions "Not deliberate*
Another challenge referees face is determining when a player’s arm is in a natural position during the run of play. Anyone who has played the game, or even watched it, knows that arms tend to move around as players go through the various actions on the field — running, turning, jumping, kicking, heading, etc.
*Let's Relate it to Human movement* When a player takes a shot, for example, his arms are typically extended from the body, often with one slightly raised. And, to maintain balance while ensuring maximum thrust, these positions change — the arms move — during the process of kicking the ball and following through.
*So now, let's check the FIFA rule*
Analysing the handball rule, looking at how the offense is treated when it is deliberate and unintentional.
The FIFA rule book (Rule 12) defines it as:
“Handling the ball involves a deliberate act of a player making contact with the ball with his hand or arm. The referee must take the following into consideration:
• the movement of the hand towards the ball (not the ball towards the hand)
• the distance between the opponent and the ball (unexpected ball)
• the position of the hand does not necessarily mean that there is an infringement
*Marcos Rojo against Nigeria as case study*
He had his arms out for balance when trying to head the ball out. He gathered the momentum and jumped and there is no way he can jump by keeping his arms underneath. As he tried to jump, the arms must go up together with the jump. So as defender, just because a shot or cross strikes them in the arm doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a hand ball. Often times players won’t have time to move their arm out of the way when an opponent strikes a shot, so that shouldn’t be deemed a foul because it’s also a case of the ball hitting the arm — not the other way around.
*Now, my conclusion*
Following the rules of the game, If the ball is deflected back at that player, striking him in the arm or hand, *no offense "Penalty" should be awarded.* His arm is extended, and it may even be moving, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he is trying to manipulate the path of the ball. The player’s arms are in a “natural position” for the action he is undertaking.
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