Paul Scholes has slammed a ‘ridiculous’ and ‘stupid’ football law that almost cost Manchester United a place in the English Premier League.
The former United midfielder was speaking after the Red Devils were denied a penalty in their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the second half when United defender Luke Shaw was brought down in the box by West Brom’s Craig Dawson. Referee Mike Dean waved away United’s appeals for a penalty, citing the ‘advantage rule’.
Under the rule, if a referee believes that a team has gained an advantage from a foul, he can choose not to award a penalty and instead allow play to continue.
Scholes, however, believes that the rule is ‘ridiculous’ and ‘stupid’ and should be scrapped.
“It’s a ridiculous rule,” Scholes said. “It’s a stupid rule. It’s a rule that should be scrapped. It’s a rule that almost cost Manchester United a place in the Premier League.”
The incident was particularly galling for United as it came just minutes after West Brom had equalised from a controversial penalty.
The Baggies were awarded a spot-kick after United defender Chris Smalling was adjudged to have fouled Salomon Rondon in the box. Replays showed that the contact between the two players was minimal, but the penalty was still given.
Scholes believes that the incident highlights the need for referees to be more consistent in their decision-making.
“It’s a difficult job for referees, but they have to be consistent,” he said. “If they’re going to give a penalty for one incident, then they have to give a penalty for the other.”
The incident has sparked a debate about the ‘advantage rule’ and whether it should be scrapped.
Scholes believes that the rule is outdated and should be replaced with a system that rewards teams for playing good football.
“The advantage rule is a relic from the past,” he said. “It’s a rule that rewards teams for fouling and punishes teams for playing good football. We need a system that rewards teams for playing good football and punishes teams for fouling.”
Scholes’ comments have been echoed by many in the football world, including United manager Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho believes that the ‘advantage rule’ should be scrapped and replaced with a system that rewards teams for playing good football.
“The advantage rule is outdated and should be replaced with a system that rewards teams for playing good football,” he said.
It remains to be seen whether the ‘advantage rule’ will be scrapped, but Scholes’ comments have certainly sparked a debate about the issue.
