Malo Gusto, Benfica, Chelsea
Credit: DAZN
Keith Hackett
Sun 29 June 2025 20:00, UK
Keith Hackett has called for a review of the handball law after Malo Gusto was punished in the Club World Cup clash between Chelsea and Benfica.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that play likely would have been allowed to continue had VAR technology not been in use at the tournament.
Enzo Maresca‘s side looked to have one foot planted firmly in the Club World Cup quarter-finals thanks to Reece James’ audacious free-kick effort just after the hour mark on Saturday, 28 June.
With just minutes of the match remaining, play was interrupted due to adverse weather conditions, with the players heading back to the changing rooms for two hours, much to the Blues’ frustrations.
Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall helped finally seal a 4-1 win in extra time, but the penalty incident was a major talking point at full-time.
Malo Gusto gives away penalty at the death against Benfica
Benfica were quick out of the blocks once play restarted, with Gusto being punished for handball and Angel Di Maria taking full advantage of a penalty decision in the second minute of added time.
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Former Man City defender Nicolas Otamendi nodded the ball back in the direction of Gusto, in close proximity, in the middle of a jump, and referee Slavko Vincic pointed to the spot following a pitchside review.
Following the incident, Hackett raised issues over the current wording of the handball rule, especially bringing up the key word, “deliberate”, suggesting that the Chelsea man was not attempting to block the ball.
The ex-FIFA referee also called for rule changes around yellow cards after Leeds United star Willy Gnonto was sent off in an Italy Under-21s clash recently, and he has refused to pull his punches once again.
Keith Hackett raises concerns over handball law after Chelsea punishment
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “What really does need to be reaffirmed, with the law being strengthened, is around the word ‘deliberate’.
“I would like to see, in these situations, more emphasis on the proximity to when the ball was last played. Was there sufficient distance and time to withdraw the raised hand?
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett wants a review of the current handball rules.
“Was the player’s action deliberate? And again, more emphasis on the movement of the hand to the ball. Clearly, without VAR intervention, I suspect play would have been allowed to continue.
“The handball law needs a review, and a lot of the subjectivity in these short clips decision-making process needs reducing.”
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