In the latest episode of the Football Weekly Extra podcast, host Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini, and Mark Langdon to discuss the recent Champions League matches and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures. The panel reflects on Arsenal's disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, analyzing the team's current struggles and the impact of a controversial handball decision that led to a penalty for Inter. They delve into whether the penalty was justified and what it means for Arsenal's form moving forward. Additionally, the discussion turns to Aston Villa, where Tyrone Mings had a challenging Champions League debut, conceding a penalty after handling the ball in the box during their match against Club Brugge. The panel considers whether they have underestimated the Belgian side in this competition. Listeners are encouraged to rate, review, and share the podcast on various platforms, and to engage with the conversation on social media or via email.

**VAR Has Exacerbated Handball Controversies – It’s Time to Reevaluate the Penalties** This week’s Champions League matches highlighted a troubling trend: players being penalized for having their arms in natural positions while moving. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to understand what constitutes a handball anymore. Initially, I intended to kick off this column with one of my three go-to anecdotes. Not the one about the microwave or the six-pound peach, but the one where I passionately expressed my disdain for the Lord of the Rings films on TalkSport, to the point that my boss texted me to ask why I wasn’t as animated about football. So, it was a bit disheartening when my editor pointed out that I had already shared that same story just two weeks prior—literally in my last column! There’s nothing quite like calling out repetition while inadvertently falling into the same trap myself. If I were cleverer, I might claim it was intentional. As we continue to navigate the complexities of VAR and its impact on the game, it’s clear that the current handball rules need a serious reassessment. The inconsistencies and confusion surrounding these decisions are detracting from the enjoyment of football. It’s time for a change.