Cagliari manager Davide Nicola has expressed his disagreement with the penalty awarded to Juventus in their recent 1-1 draw. While not contesting the technical aspect of the decision, Nicola raised concerns about the interpretation of the handball rule.
“From a technical point of view, I’m not convinced by the decision to award such a penalty,” Nicola stated in an interview with DAZN. He acknowledged that Luperto’s touch was objective, albeit marginal.
Nicola’s main contention lies with the rule’s interpretation and its application in dynamic situations. He explained, “If I’m contesting an aerial duel with Vlahovic or Gatti, it’s obvious that I use my hands to give myself momentum. But when I receive a header from behind, I can’t forget that I have two hands attached to my body. I’m not intentionally increasing my body size, that’s why I disagree.”
The Cagliari coach revealed that this issue has been discussed among his colleagues: “We talked about this at the last meeting, and many colleagues agree. I don’t dispute the referee’s decision, I accept it. But for me, in these situations, it can’t be a penalty. If I’m falling, I can’t forget that I have two arms attached.”
Nicola emphasized the importance of considering the biomechanics of athletes in such situations: “The focal point is the intervention in the athlete’s biomechanics: it’s impossible to give a penalty if I receive contact from behind that makes me fall to the ground. It’s true that it’s difficult to determine situations, but those who understand an athlete’s biomechanics know that certain things will always happen because there’s no alternative.”
