FIFA has officially announced the dismissal of the officials and referees from the recent Levante vs. Barcelona. This decision comes after the referee issued a Penalty for a Hand to Ball offense, which is clearly not a penalty

Former referee Alfonso Perez Burrull has provided a detailed analysis of two handball incidents involving Alejandro Balde and Aurelien Tchouameni, highlighting the key differences between the two cases. In Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Levante, Balde was deemed to have committed a handball in the added time of the first half, resulting in a penalty for Levante. The incident occurred when the ball struck Balde’s arm after a shot from Jose Luis Morales, and referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez reviewed the replay before awarding the penalty.

*Burrull’s Explanation:*

Burrull explained that the penalty was justified because Balde’s arm was bent in an L shape, increasing the body’s surface area. According to Burrull, this position of the arm made it a clear handball, and the penalty decision was correct. Burrull’s analysis suggests that the angle and position of the arm are crucial factors in determining whether a handball has occurred.

*Comparison with Tchouameni’s Incident:*

Burrull compared this incident to a similar one involving Real Madrid’s Tchouameni in the May Clasico. In that case, the ball hit Tchouameni’s arm after a shot from Ferran Torres, but no penalty was given. Burrull noted that the key difference lies in the position of the arm, stating that if the arm is in a vertical position, it’s a different scenario. This highlights the importance of considering the specific circumstances of each incident when making decisions about handballs.

*Burrull’s Verdict:*

According to Burrull, the situation clearly illustrates what constitutes handball and what doesn’t. He believes that Balde’s handball was a clear penalty, whereas Tchouameni’s incident was not. Burrull’s analysis provides insight into the nuances of handball decisions and why some incidents may be treated differently than others. His comments suggest that referees need to carefully consider the position of the arm and the specific circumstances of each incident when making decisions about handballs.

*Implications for the Game:*

Burrull’s analysis has implications for the game, highlighting the need for consistency and clarity in handball decisions. As the game becomes increasingly fast-paced and intense, referees need to be able to make accurate decisions quickly, taking into account the specific circumstances of each incident. Burrull’s comments provide valuable insight into the complexities of handball decisions and the need for careful consideration and analysis.