Michaelr

What CET is talking about is something comparable to a penalty try in rugby, where it is determined by the ref that in the absence of the foul, there would have been no other hindrance to points being scored, hence the try is given instead of a free kick or penalty.

A penalty goal therefore would be a goal which was awarded without a penalty kick being necessary. In this case the ref would see that if Soarez hadn't handled the ball it would definitely have gone into the goal, therefore a goal would be awarded.

I am in two minds about this approach. I can see the justification for it, but unlike the issue of goal line technology this would be a significant change to the rules and character of the game of football.

Tricky ...