A Son of the Rock

Yes, it was a handball.

Yes, the goal should not have stood.

But don’t the laws state that the referee is the sole arbiter of events on the pitch?

If the ref (or assistant) didn’t see it, it wasn’t a foul.

If the ref didn’t give it, it wasn’t a foul.

Now, arguably the fourth official could have alerted the ref if he saw the TV shots. (Wasn’t Zinedine Zidane sent off in the World Cup final in this fashion?) But this fourth official didn’t. So we’re left with the ref’s decision.

Now, a goal line assistant, as in the present Europa League arrangements, might have seen the handball (and therefore better justice done.) Then again, he might not.

It would only have led to a shoot-out, though. Ireland weren’t winning the tie.

But replaying the game? You’re having a laugh.

That way chaos lies.