Well then the law is down right stupid. Regardless whether Lingard could have stayed on his feet or not he was prevented from reaching a ball he otherwise would have because someone held his shirt.
It's very easy to stress test this: no shirt pull makes some of the most coordinated people on earth spontaneously fall over. Therefore, shirt pulling is now part of the game.
It's very easy to stress test this: no shirt pull makes some of the most coordinated people on earth spontaneously fall over. Therefore, shirt pulling is now part of the game.
shirt/shorts pulling has always been "part of the game" - most if the time it doesnt draw a foul. Football is a contact sport, it's not rugby but there is always going to be some form of contact. Refs allowing some contact is better for the game as it discourages the "cheating/diving" which has ruined the game.
Ironically, Noble holding Lingard back (if Lingard is chasing a ball) is a foul in Rugby as well.