That’s particularly true in the Premier League, where VAR often adds another layer of complexity to the debate, rather than eradicating any element doubt – as it was originally designed to do.
But what about outside of the top flight, where ordinary, unassisted refereeing still rules the roost?
We’ve taken a look at each Championship club to determine which sides have been awarded the most spot kicks since the beginning of last season, as well as calculating which teams have been best – and worst – when it comes to putting their chances away from 12 yards out:
Teams marked with * competed in the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign.
Teams marked with ** competed in League One during the 2019/20 campaign.
All stats provided courtesy of Transfermarkt.com.
. PRESTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Jed Wallace of Millwall scores his sides second goal from the penalty spot past Declan Rudd of Preston North End during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Millwall at Deepdale on October 28, 2020 in Preston, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Millwall's Jed Wallace scores a penalty against Preston North End. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) Photo: Jan Kruger
. Preston North End
Penalties: 15
Penalties scored: 13
Conversion rate: 86.7%
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. Wycombe Wanderers **
Penalties: 10
Penalties scored: 9
Conversion rate: 90%
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
. Watford *
Penalties: 10
Penalties scored: 8
Conversion rate: 80%
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Photo: Richard Heathcote
. Sheffield Wednesday
Penalties: 9
Penalties scored: 9
Conversion rate: 100%
(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) Photo: Tony Marshall
. Reading
Penalties: 9
Penalties scored: 8
Conversion rate: 88.9%
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Photo: Naomi Baker
. Derby County
Penalties: 9
Penalties scored: 7
Conversion rate: 77.8%
(Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) Photo: Stephen Pond
. Rotherham United **
Penalties: 9
Penalties scored: 6
Conversion rate: 66.7%
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. Swansea City
Penalties: 8
Penalties scored: 8
Conversion rate 100%
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
1. Preston North End
Penalties: 15
Penalties scored: 13
Conversion rate: 86.7%
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
2. Wycombe Wanderers **
Penalties: 10
Penalties scored: 9
Conversion rate: 90%
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
3. Watford *
Penalties: 10
Penalties scored: 8
Conversion rate: 80%
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) Photo: Richard Heathcote
4. Sheffield Wednesday
Penalties: 9
Penalties scored: 9
Conversion rate: 100%
(Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) Photo: Tony Marshall