Lineker claims he has ‘very reliable information’ the handball law will change

Gary Lineker has claimed the handball law will be simplified as pundits criticised the controversial awarding of a penalty to Man United in the FA Cup final against Man City.

Jack Grealish was controversially adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, despite his arm seemingly being in a natural position. 

Man United’s Aaron Wan-Bisaka headed against Grealish’s hand from close range, with the winger’s arm outstretched as he had attempted to jump for the ball.

Lineker, speaking on the BBC, claimed to have information that the handball will be simplified amid ongoing criticism of the current law.

‘[It is] probably technically right in the way the law is now but I’m sure we all agree that the law is a absurdity at present,’ Lineker said.

Man City’s Jack Grealish, right, was controversially penalised for a handball in the FA Cup final

Gary Lineker claimed at half-time that he had information the handball law is set to be changed

The BBC pundits admitted referee Paul Tierney made the correct decision but hit out at the law

‘I have it on very reliable information that they are going to simplify that law. 

‘Almost go back to where it was, common sense. 

‘I think it’s absurd that idea of a natural position unless it’s not attached to your body then it’s in a natural position.’  

Former Man United and Man City goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel claimed the decision made by referee Paul Tierney was correct under the current interpretation of the law.

Schmeichel and fellow pundit Alan Shearer both criticised the current interpretation, with the latter labelling the law as ‘terrible’.

‘The penalty is the correct decision but it is a silly rule. They benefited from the rule here,’ Schmeichel said. 

Shearer added ‘I have to be careful what I say here because I’m inclined to swear, it annoys me that much but I can’t. 

‘It is terrible the law. They talk about natural, unnatural, high hand, and proximity but that is natural.

Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty to equalise for Man United in the first half of the final

‘That is a natural position when you head the ball and you’re coming back down. What on earth are you meant to do?’

Bruno Fernandes’ successful penalty saw United equalise in the final after Ilkay Gundogan’s first minute opener.

The German midfielder restored City’s lead at the start of the second half.