I think the heading thing depends on eyes on the ball and how late they are too but as you say, generally these aren’t given or expected.
For the handball it would depend, if I was doing grassroots and on my own, not likely I’m giving that, however if I’m doing women’s at tier 3-5 in a team of 3 officials it might be a different story, certainly a bit more to think about and potentially I’d give it, if I had a great view, the grappling was very obvious and extended then maybe I would but being completely honest I’d say probably 8 times out of 10 nobody is giving that without the help of VAR.
Ste
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when a player shoots and gets cleaned out and the ref doesn't give a pen but will always give a foul outside the area
The other one I just don't get is when a player heads the ball and then another player heads him and they call it an accidental clash of heads
How is it any different to a late challenge - one player has won the ball albeit with his head and the other player has fouled him with a late challenge
Would you have given a penalty for the handball if it happened in a game you were refereeing ?
I wouldn't
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That Pickford should not have been punished for a penalty or a red for his challenge.
Ste
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on May 8, 2026, 8:30 pm, in reply to "