sinkov-- the referees are working to directives from FIFA, UEFA and our own FA and, because they want to keep their jobs, they stick to what they are told to do. It would seem that the current thing is to punish any tackle that may result in a player being injured, give a handball regardless of whether it is intentional or not, particularly if the hand is not in a natural position, whatever that is!! Mine have been on the end of my arms for almost 72 years but I'll bet that if the ball hit my hand it would be a penalty.
The game really is going to the dogs.
I watched VIlla v Brentford last night and three free kicks were given when players won the ball fair and square but an opponent wnet down feigning injury and that was Jon Moss refereeing who normally lets a lot of the physical stuff go.