The Ukrainian Football Association Referees Committee, together with arbitration consultant Nicola Rizzoli, explained the interpretation of specific game episodes from the 9th round of the Ukrainian championship for the 2025/2026 season.
Nicola RizzoliIn particular, the expert commented on the episode of the match 'Zorya' — 'Dynamo', when the ball in the Luhansk penalty area hit Roman Vantukh’s hand:
— At the end of the first half, defender number 47, while trying to prevent the opponent from receiving the ball, clearly plays with his foot, after which the ball bounces upwards. Its trajectory changes noticeably, and the ball hits the player’s right hand.
Despite the hand being extended, the key factor is that this episode falls under the algorithm: the ball hits from the player’s own foot or body, and then — the hand, with a clear change in flight direction. According to the rules of the game, such a situation is not considered a violation.
Therefore, the referee correctly refrained from intervening and allowed the game to continue. In light of this, the video assistant referee conducted a so-called 'silent check.'
