Referee Mike Dean hints at a football rule change following a contentious decision that cost Arsenal during their clash with Aston Villa.

In a recent match against Aston Villa, Arsenal's Kai Havertz had a crucial equalizer disallowed for handball, leaving manager Mikel Arteta furious once again. The ball had struck Matty Cash's arm before Havertz scored. While retired referee Mike Dean acknowledged that the decision was technically correct according to the current law, he expressed his disagreement and suggested that the rule should be changed.

Dean criticizes the law and calls for more clarity

During an appearance on Sky Sports, Dean voiced his frustration with the current law, stating, "It's something I don't agree with but the way the law is written by Ifab, that if it strikes any part of your hand or arm and you put the ball in the back of the net, then you have to disallow it." He further explained that if the ball had fallen to another player, such as Eddie Nketiah, who then scored, the goal would have been allowed. Dean described the law as unfair and suggested that it should be revised to provide more clarity.

Will the rule be changed?

When asked if he believes the rule will be changed, Dean expressed his hope for greater clarity but also acknowledged the potential drawbacks of frequent rule changes. He stated, "I like to think it would, to give people a bit more clarity what's going on. But then you're messing around again with, 'why are we changing every single year?' So there's got to be some kind of clarity with what's going on."

Arteta's frustrations

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was serving a touchline ban during the match, expressed his frustration with the controversial decision. He left the stands before the end of the game and later criticized what he perceived as "clear and obvious" errors that went against his team.