2025/26 James Tarkowski

[ClausThomsen]

you have to consider it’s not humanely possible to bend his arm beyond his socket to hide it behind his back.

It’s not a clear penalty as you seems to insist.

What has bending his arm out of the socket got to do with anything?

It is humanely possible not to move towards a ball and put said arm in the way of the ball. If you can get across to block the ball legally then fine. If you can only get across enough to then have to make contact with your arm then arguably that is not fine. That's the chance he took and it didn't come off.

At worst a contentious decision. But for me a perfectly understandable one - there are plenty of circumstances with how the laws are written where a degree of personal interpretation is required. This is one of them.

 

[TheBigIguana]

I don't actually disagree - but he is a small leak compared to the iceberg sized hole immediately causing the ship to sink.

Without Branthwaite the lack of athleticism and ability to play moving forward in our backline becomes a chasm. Our support overrates Branthwaite but it’s easy to see why when the whole thing breaks without him. IMO that’s largely a function of Tarkowski and his limitations. Obviously Keane makes it worse too, but Keane will at least try to play positively. Hes just not good enough to do it with James alongside.

The handball last night happens in part because Tarkowski always wants to just drop in and block shots. Proactive defending can be a better choice sometimes and he never makes it.

 

[Bebeto]

Reminds me of the penalty not given against united for a pull on young at the end of the match due to var intervention. There is a degree of subjectivity in any decision, even in this case, to either give or not give the penalty. The problem is subjectivity is used extensively in the league in a way to favour the top 6 in the country. I guarantee there will be other situations like tarkowski where there will no be a penalty awarded.

 

[Osamabindiesel]

It's not if his arm was reaching for the ball. It's if he made a motion towards the ball to block it and it struck his arm as a result. Unfortunate penalty as he tried to get his chest on it but he could not get his body there quick enough. I understand why it was given.

 

[Osamabindiesel]

Reminds me of the penalty not given against united for a pull on young at the end of the match due to var intervention. There is a degree of subjectivity in any decision, even in this case, to either give or not give the penalty. The problem is subjectivity is used extensively in the league in a way to favour the top 6 in the country. I guarantee there will be other situations like tarkowski where there will no be a penalty awarded.

This is more the problem. The inconsistency. The call was understandable. The leagues enforcement is not consistent.

 

[Karbutar]

So it's fine to touch the ball with the trailing arm during a sliding tackle, but you can't lean into the ball with the arm next to your body.. Sound clear and fair..

 

[Blast_of_Cannock]

View attachment 321881

Don't forget about the 10 point deduction incoming.

 

[NeilMorepies]

They wouldn’t have given a pen against any other team.

 

[MaximusEvertonius]

It's not if his arm was reaching for the ball. It's if he made a motion towards the ball to block it and it struck his arm as a result. Unfortunate penalty as he tried to get his chest on it but he could not get his body there quick enough. I understand why it was given.

I understand, too, mate. It could’ve gone either way and I’d have understood the rationale. If the situation were reversed, we’d be screaming for a pen all day. It just happened to our guy and we don’t like it.

For me, the bigger issue is the spirit of the rule. No VAR until very recently. Rules like offside are for obvious gaps between you and the defender. Handballs are so you’re not swatting at it like a second keeper.

I miss the days gone by. The game just played on and calls were restricted to the obvious. Yellow cards in the 70s and 80s would get you red carded now.

I think things were sometimes better back then. The players were tougher. It would’ve been an insult to flop like a fish. Your leg’s still attached, init? Then stand up and carry on.

 

[Osamabindiesel]

I understand, too, mate. It could’ve gone either way and I’d have understood the rationale. If the situation were reversed, we’d be screaming for a pen all day. It just happened to our guy and we don’t like it.

For me, the bigger issue is the spirit of the rule. No VAR until very recently. Rules like offside are for obvious gaps between you and the defender. Handballs are so you’re not swatting at it like a second keeper.

I miss the days gone by. The game just played on and calls were restricted to the obvious. Yellow cards in the 70s and 80s would get you red carded now.

I think things were sometimes better back then. The players were tougher. It would’ve been an insult to flop like a fish. Your leg’s still attached, init? Then stand up and carry on.

It's been good and bad for the game. I think the players actually play nowadays like they may be held accountable for fear of VAR retribution. Just like a bad VAR decision can influence games, players would blatantly cheat because there is a 50/50 chance you get away with it. The problem is the corruption is in the spotlight. So many of these decisions are biased and clearly not handed out equally. We all know why.

 

[Walken]

Full donkey mode activated today, wake up skip

 

[Blast_of_Cannock]

Making Keane look decent.

 

[Davideeyore]

Brain farts

 

[BigDunc'sFod]

Making Keane look decent.

It's spreading

 

[Blast_of_Cannock]

It's spreading

Like Marmite.