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Wolves boss Nuno backs call for handball law change

Nuno Espirito Santo wants to see changes to the handball law after Wolves’ VAR woes.

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Wolves have had three goals chalked off by the video officials due to the new rule that was implemented for the 2019-20 season.

It states that any goal scored or created with the use of the hand or arm will be disallowed this season – even if it is accidental.

That rule has seen Leander Dendoncker’s ‘goal’ in the 0-0 draw with Leciester, Raul Jimenez’s effort in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and Pedro Neto’s strike in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester United ruled out for handballs by Willy Boly and Jimenez.

And Nuno is confident change will happen as the League Managers Association prepare to lobby the International Football Association Board to overturn the rule change.

The LMA has has written to football’s lawmakers to raise concerns over the handball law. The step was made on behalf of its members this week – ahead of the International Football Association Board’s AGM next month.

Nuno said: “For sure, yes, there’s going to be a review.

“I’m encouraged by everyone involved – the managers, the players, the fans, press – everybody is seeing that it’s not OK.

“If it’s not OK, we have to take different measures and change it.

“We are talking about the handball rule, not VAR, but the rule is the rule, so let’s not be mistaken but it has to change and it will change, for sure.”

And Nuno says many managers are concerned.

He said: “It’s not only me, everybody speaks about it.

“But of course we have suffered more because all the decisions have been against us. It’s too much.”

And Nuno wants the changes for the fans.

He said: “I think in time, things will happen.

“The message is so clear, it’s clear and loud – you see all over stadiums and it’s not good.

“The fans are the most important things in football. The fans see what makes sense.

“The fans are not happy – that’s a bad sign.