Scott Parker suggests defenders may need to adapt to keeping their arms behind their backs after a late penalty against Burnley. Parker, while acknowledging the handball decision’s correctness, expresses concern over the rule’s impact, emphasizing the need for clarity and a common-sense approach.
Burnley manager Scott Parker has suggested a radical change in defensive tactics may be necessary following a controversial penalty decision that handed Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor. The late spot-kick, converted by Mohamed Salah, ensured Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season, while Burnley were left to rue what might have been.
The penalty was awarded after a cross from Jeremie Frimpong struck substitute Hannibal Mejbri's arm in the dying moments of the game. While Parker acknowledged that the decision was technically correct according to the current interpretation of the handball rule, he expressed concerns about its long-term impact on the way defenders approach their craft.
"It is handball. By the law of it, it is handball," Parker conceded in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. "We will have to change the technique of defending things, with our hands behind our backs. But I'm really proud of the team."
Burnley spent much of the match under pressure, struggling to create clear-cut chances. Their attacking output was limited to just three attempts, none of which troubled the Liverpool goal. Their expected goals (xG) tally for the match was a meager 0.13, highlighting their struggles in the final third. In contrast, Liverpool unleashed a barrage of 27 shots, registering an xG of 2.65. However, only four of those shots were on target, indicating a degree of wastefulness in their own attacking play.
Parker elaborated on the specific incident involving Mejbri, saying, "I have been in the arena; I know how quickly things move. His body action was turning, and his arm had gone out. The ball is probably coming at 80 miles per hour, and it has hit him. The only learning for Hannibal is that we will have to train with our hands behind our backs."
The defeat leaves Burnley precariously positioned in 17th place in the Premier League table. Despite the disappointing result, Parker was keen to emphasize the positives, praising his players' commitment and resilience against a formidable Liverpool side. "At times, we survived like our lives depended on it today. We knew we had to give that," he said.
He continued, "I am immensely proud of the players. The game ended in a real heartbreaking way for us. It is what it is. We just fell a little bit short with the last-minute penalty. We needed to deny the space; that was critical for us, and we did that. We defended very, very well. We didn’t look much of a threat going forward, but it is what it is. We are trying to get a result, and we are trying to survive. It is a shame, the way it ended.”
Parker's comments highlight the growing frustration among managers and players regarding the handball rule. The increasing scrutiny and marginal decisions have led to calls for greater clarity and consistency in its application. The Burnley boss's suggestion of training defenders to keep their arms behind their backs, while perhaps a slightly tongue-in-cheek remark, underscores the extent to which the current interpretation of the rule is impacting the game.
Here's a Tweet from Burnley FC after the game:
Defeat. pic.twitter.com/sxugU4eX3X
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) September 14, 2025
The debate surrounding the handball rule is likely to continue, with many arguing that the current interpretation is overly harsh and fails to account for the natural movements of players during a match. Parker's remarks will undoubtedly add further fuel to the fire, prompting renewed calls for a more common-sense approach to the application of the law.