Alan Shearer slams referee John Brooks after a decision made in Everton v Manchester City

Alan Shearer has hit out at the handball law and referee John Brooks after a penalty was awarded to Manchester City in their 3-1 victory against Everton at Goodison Park on 27 December.

Shearer slammed the "ridiculous" handball law, suggesting it needs to be changed after another controversial penalty was awarded which may have cost Everton the game after Amadou Onana was deemed to have committed the offence.

The former Newcastle striker went as far as claiming that the referee was influenced by Man City players surrounding him demanding the penalty be given in the aftermath of the incident after he delayed his decision.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast [29 December], Shearer ranted: "The penalty decision, what are your thoughts on it? We've said it before, the handball law is a complete and utter mess, isn't it? It's ridiculous.

"I also have to say I think the referee was possibly influenced by the actions of some of the Manchester City players that were right in front of him, appealing and making it very difficult for him not to give it."

Every single week

It feels like every week there is at least one controversial handball decision, whether it is given or not, that writes headlines and has everybody questioning whether the laws are fit for purpose and the lack of clarity around the decisions rages on.

In Onana's case, it's difficult to see what else he is supposed to do with his arm in that situation. He's throwing himself in the way of the ball to block a potential goal, how could he be expected to keep his arms by his side while doing so?

Not to mention the distance the ball travelled where he would hardly have had a chance to change his position or tuck his arms in through fear of the ball hitting him. It's a nonsense law that doesn't comply with what just naturally happens in a game of football.

Ultimately, while the decision was made in open play, the blame can come back to VAR and the overanalysing of these decisions in slow-motion replays. Referees can make mistakes in real time, but when they are aided by replays and still get it wrong, questions have to be asked of the lawmakers.

In other Everton news, another hurdle has emerged in the way of the 777 takeover.