PREMIER LEAGUE REFEREES TO PENALISE DELIBERATE HOLDING AND GRAPPLING

Premier League referees will adopt a stricter approach to holding and grappling during set pieces this season, with officials instructed to punish deliberate actions, despite no changes to the laws of the game.

Referees across the Premier League, English Football League and Women’s Super League have been told to act more decisively against “non-footballing holding actions”, particularly when players use both arms to restrain opponents, repeatedly grab them or pull their shirts.

Premier League referees’ chief HOWARD WEBB said officials had been encouraged to rely less on warnings and take action when offences are identified, following concerns over missed VAR interventions last season, five of which involved penalties not awarded after players were wrestled to the ground away from the ball.

WEBB stressed that not every physical challenge would be treated as an offence, but the stricter approach could affect set-piece tactics.