Open VAR: Tonolini Explains Pongracic Handball Decision, Thuram's Presence Irrelevant

The "Open VAR" segment continues to generate significant discussion among football fans, often scrutinizing refereeing decisions deemed questionable. Recently, the focus was on a handball incident involving Pongracic within the penalty area. This particular play was analyzed with Thuram positioned behind Pongracic, potentially able to play the ball if not for the alleged interference by the Fiorentina player. This time, the explanation comes from Tonolini, a former referee and current member of the CAN (National Refereeing Commission).

Tonolini's Clarification on Open VAR:

"Referee Colombo made a correct assessment from the field, being in an excellent position to evaluate the incident appropriately. The ball bounced in front of Pongracic, who attempted to play it with his heel. The contact with the hand occurred with the arm in an absolutely natural position, congruent with the player's movement. This was an absolutely non-punishable situation, and Colombo's decision was correct, subsequently endorsed by VAR Maresca and AVAR Massa."

Does the presence of Thuram behind Pongracic, who could have gained possession of the ball, affect the punishability?

"No, absolutely not. The assessment of a handball's punishability is entirely independent of what the outcome of the subsequent action might have been. Nothing changes regardless of whether an opponent was positioned behind the player."