Both UCL semi-final ties featured debate over handball decisions Last updated: April 30, 2026 | 16:53 Handball controversary amongst both Champions League semi-final first-leg ties AP Dubai: Across both UEFA Champions League semi-finals, 11 goals were scored, but the ties were also shaped by two contentious handball decisions that led to penalties. For Premier League fans these decisions may have looked crazy considering the rules followed for handballs in the EPL, where intent, arm position, and whether a player has made their body unnaturally bigger are key factors in deciding offences. Under the laws of the game, not every contact between ball and hand is penalised, especially if the arm is in a natural position or the player has no time to react to a close-range shot. However, despite UEFA streamlining with these rules, they certainly wasn’t followed in both UCL semi-final first-leg ties.…