Was it a penalty or not?
Tottenham defender Danny Rose has spoken out over VAR’s decision to award a penalty to Manchester City after the ball hit his hand in the box.
Rose and Spurs took on City in a crunch Champions League clash at their new stadium on Tuesday.
While the game was brilliant, it was overshadowed by another controversial decision by VAR.
Danny Rose was adjudged to have handballed in the area after flying into a block.
Though, a fair few suggested that the player’s hand was not that far from his body and therefore, a penalty was harsh.
While Hugo Lloris went on to save Sergio Aguero’s penalty, a goal could have led to a completely different result.
Now, Danny Rose has given his opinion on the decision to award a penalty.
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 20: The score board is seen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between FC Schalke 04 and Manchester City at Veltins-Arena on February 20, 2019 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“It’s unnatural to try to defend a shot with your arms behind your back”
Speaking following the game, Rose explained that while the ball did hit his arm, he didn’t feel his arm was away from his body.
He also went on to explain that it would be ‘unnatural’ for players to defend a shot with their arms behind their back.
“It did hit my arm and I didn’t think my arm was outside my body,” he explained, as quoted by the Mirror.
“But the referee said it was and if VAR wasn’t there I would have got away with it. But he’s given it and luckily Hugo got me out of trouble.
“Even though it was after 13 minutes, it was a game-changing save. Sometimes they go for us, and tonight it went against us. I’m not sure I can complain.
“It’s unnatural to try to defend a shot with your arms behind your back and I’m not sure that’s something the manager would be promoting.
“But there’s not much I can do, I have to learn from it.”