Premier League officials will adopt a far stricter approach to grappling and wrestling during set pieces this season, with Professional Referees chief Howard Webb warning clubs that the days of lenient officiating are over. Webb and Chief Football Officer Rebecca Caplehorn visited all 20 top flight clubs in recent weeks to explain the ruthless shift in policy, showing players video clips of incidents from last season that would now result in penalties.
Players were warned they risk conceding spot kicks if they wrestle opponents or jostle without watching the ball’s flight during corners and free kicks. Professional Referees, formerly known as PGMOL, are hoping to implement a firmer view on holding and regulate the use of excessive physicality from set plays, with optimism this will improve the Premier League’s general image among fans and neutrals alike.
Webb emphasized the ce represents a season long commitment rather than a temporary August crackdown. Fans can expect less warnings from referees before fouls are given than they might have seen previously, addressing what had become a source of frustration. However, Webb clarified that contact remains part of the game and officials will maintain a high threshold for intervention.
Officials will receive detailed data information packs before games to support consistent decision making. The new approach began with Friday’s season opener between champions Arsenal and Coventry City, with Webb predicting more offences will be penalised throughout the campaign compared to previous seasons.
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