and anyway surely it should matter enormously whether it is meant or not

players have arms - they can't remove them. Sometimes the ball just hits them through no fault of the players - that shouldn't be a freekick or penalty, it's just one of those things (like the ball hitting the ref).

As a player having a shot (for instance) you should be aware that players have arms and kick the ball past them (not at them) if you want it to go in the goal. If you don't it's your own fault.

If the players move their hands in a way specifically designed to block the ball then that obviously is different and is an offence.

Posted By: mr carra, May 7, 09:49:37