Philippe Clement on handball: It's not good if players run around like penguins

Philippe Clement wants a clearer handball rule from the football authorities, with the Rangers manager feeling that the current situation had players running around “like penguins” trying to avoid being penalised.

The current rule has been questioned and criticised by players, managers, fans and pundits around the world, with the introduction of VAR adding to the controversy over what is and isn’t considered a foul.

Two incidents from Rangers’ 3-1 victory at Kilmarnock on Wednesday led to further discussion of the issue, with incidents in both boxes under the spotlight.

Clement felt there was a lack on consistency when Kilmarnock were awarded a spot kick after the ball struck John Lundstram’s arm, only for Rangers’ penalty claim to be denied after Killie’s Lewis Mayo appeared to handle in the box.

“I hope there can be more clarity about things in the future,” Clement said. “I know there are decisions made in a grey zone.

“I don’t think for the handball rule it has become easier for referees or the VAR. It has become more difficult with the rule and the way it is decided by UEFA and FIFA.

“My job is to explain to my players what is hand ball or not. If they come on to the pitch feeling there is an injustice then we have a problem.

“I don’t say that was the case, but it needs to be really clear what is hand ball or not. I don’t think it is good for the game if all the players running around with their hands on the back, like you see now.

“Even then when your hand is like that (out) it is sometimes hand ball. It is not good for the game if players run around like penguins.”