Collina explains handball decisions
Monday 23 February, 2009
Pierluigi Collina has defended Italian referees and clarified that not every handball necessarily constitutes a foul.
Last week Inter striker Adriano scored the opening goal in the Milan derby by heading the ball on to his hand.
Referee Roberto Rosetti gave the goal as it appeared unintentional, but some felt it should have been disallowed.
Adriano was at the centre of another handball controversy this weekend, when he set up Esteban Cambiasso to score Inter's opening goal against Bologna.
The Brazilian once again headed the ball on to his hand and it found Cambiasso, who promptly fired it past Francesco Antonioli.
“All the referees are looking to improve their work,” Collina told Radio Anch'io Sport. “As for the latest handballs that have been spoken about a lot, I can say that the rule is clear in leaving it up to the referee's discretion.
“There has to be intent,” Collina explained. “Therefore a handball is only a foul when there is intent. It's not easy to establish that on the pitch.
“We need to observe the movement of the arm, the line of the hands and the technique of the player.
“Football is so fast these days it makes such valuations ever more complicated,” Collina insisted before turning to the Adriano incidents.
“In both cases the touches are imperceptible so I don't feel we are talking about a foul worthy of suspension.”
Collina later discussed the prospect of an orange card, which would be shown when a red card is deemed excessive and a yellow card too lenient.
He is also willing to consider UEFA President Michel Platini's proposal, which would see two referees on the pitch at the same time.
After a glorious career as a referee, Collina now chooses the match officials for games in Serie A and B.
Yeah, let's also bring an Orange card to facilitate the refs job.
Just apply the damn rules.