“Give power to the referee”

The German champions’ record striker commented on the hustle and bustle surrounding VAR after the match against Copenhagen – and it became clear.

Thomas Müller criticizes the current interpretation of the hand rule in relation to video evidence. “I don’t think anyone is happy,” the 34-year-old German international said on streaming service DAZN after Bayern Munich’s 0-0 Champions League draw against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night. Then Müller became clear: “I don’t know if the boys and girls in FIFA are sitting in their room and saying the hand rule is really cool at the moment. I don’t believe it.”

Reason: Referee Stephanie Frappart overturned a manual penalty kick decision for Munich in stoppage time after studying the video. Copenhagen player Peter Ankersen also received the ball slightly on his forearm in the rib area inside the penalty area. “I wouldn’t have given a hand penalty either, but I think the rules allow it,” Muller said.

“Let the referee decide personally.”

There is a problem with constantly dealing with the base. “Right now, I have a feeling that rule keepers want to flesh out the hand rule.” But this doesn’t work.

Muller also admitted, “You can’t embody the hand rule.” He calls for a different solution: “Let the referees decide as they do in the event of a foul.” Referees must also make decisions depending on the situation. “Am I blocking a goal? Huge block?” Müller said. “If I go to the corner flag and put the ball in my hand, I’ll put it in my hand. Let the judge decide personally, based on some criteria of course. Give the referee power.”

(t online)