Premier League referees to crack down on players holding in the box
Howard Webb, chief operating officer of referees' body the PGMOL, told reporters on Thursday that feedback from a recent Premier League survey had highlighted "a few too many" clear holding offences going unpunished.
He said VAR could intervene in situations of "extreme non-footballing action" where a player was clearly dragging another to the ground, even off the ball.
"I would expect, if we're sitting around this table this time next year, there to have been a few more penalties given for holding offences than what we've seen (last season)," he said.
"But not a huge swing of the pendulum, because that's really difficult to sustain over a period of time."
Webb said there would still be "some grey zone situations where the referee's call stands, where the referee says 'No, it's a small touch, it's not impacting his ability to move the ball, it's mutual holding.
"That will stay the referee's call.
"When there's no considerations to support the referee's call, then we'll expect VAR to get involved as well," added Webb.
Nottingham Forest were awarded a penalty, confirmed after a VAR check, last season in a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion when Tariq Lamptey bundled Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White to the ground.
A subsequent Premier League statement referred to "sustained holding with no attempt to play the ball".
The PGMOL has tried before to reduce holding but Webb said this time the approach would be more lasting.
"This is not meant to be a two-week campaign, a six-week campaign, August and September and then forget all about it," he explained.
"If we went in like a steam train and gave every little bit of contact then it would be a six week campaign because we get told very quickly to ease off on what we're doing.
"We have to take the game with us, we have to be credible."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Premier League referees to crack down on players holding in the box
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LONDON - Premier League referees are likely to award more penalties this season in a tougher response to players who grapple and hold opponents in the penalty area. Howard Webb, chief operating officer of referees' body the PGMOL, told reporters on Thursday that feedback from a recent Premier League survey had highlighted "a few too many" clear holding offences going unpunished. He said VAR could intervene in situations of "extreme non-footballing action" where a player was clearly dragging another to the ground, even off the ball. "I would expect, if we're sitting around this table this time next year, there to have been a few more penalties given for holding offences than what we've seen (last season)," he said. "But not a huge swing of the pendulum, because that's really difficult to sustain over a period of time." Webb said there would still be "some grey zone situations where the referee's call stands, where the referee says 'No, it's a small touch, it's not impacting his ability to move the ball, it's mutual holding. "That will stay the referee's call. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 100 people being investigated for vape offences, say MOH and HSA Singapore Bukit Merah fire: Residents relocated as town council carries out restoration works Singapore askST: What to do in the event of a fire at home Singapore Jalan Bukit Merah fire: PMD battery could have started fatal blaze, says SCDF Singapore askST: What are the fire safety rules for PMDs? Asia AirAsia flight from KL to Incheon lands at wrong airport in South Korea Asia India and China work to improve ties amid Trump's unpredictability Singapore From quiet introvert to self-confident student: How this vulnerable, shy teen gets help to develop and discover her strength "When there's no considerations to support the referee's call, then we'll expect VAR to get involved as well," added Webb. Nottingham Forest were awarded a penalty, confirmed after a VAR check, last season in a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion when Tariq Lamptey bundled Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White to the ground. A subsequent Premier League statement referred to "sustained holding with no attempt to play the ball". The PGMOL has tried before to reduce holding but Webb said this time the approach would be more lasting. "This is not meant to be a two-week campaign, a six-week campaign, August and September and then forget all about it," he explained. "If we went in like a steam train and gave every little bit of contact then it would be a six week campaign because we get told very quickly to ease off on what we're doing. "We have to take the game with us, we have to be credible." The new season kicks off on Friday when champions Liverpool host Bournemouth. REUTERS
CNA
4 hours ago
- CNA
Premier League referees to crack down on players holding in the box
LONDON :Premier League referees are likely to award more penalties this season in a tougher response to players who grapple and hold opponents in the penalty area. Howard Webb, chief operating officer of referees' body the PGMOL, told reporters on Thursday that feedback from a recent Premier League survey had highlighted "a few too many" clear holding offences going unpunished. He said VAR could intervene in situations of "extreme non-footballing action" where a player was clearly dragging another to the ground, even off the ball. "I would expect, if we're sitting around this table this time next year, there to have been a few more penalties given for holding offences than what we've seen (last season)," he said. "But not a huge swing of the pendulum, because that's really difficult to sustain over a period of time." Webb said there would still be "some grey zone situations where the referee's call stands, where the referee says 'No, it's a small touch, it's not impacting his ability to move the ball, it's mutual holding. "That will stay the referee's call. "When there's no considerations to support the referee's call, then we'll expect VAR to get involved as well," added Webb. Nottingham Forest were awarded a penalty, confirmed after a VAR check, last season in a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton & Hove Albion when Tariq Lamptey bundled Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White to the ground. A subsequent Premier League statement referred to "sustained holding with no attempt to play the ball". The PGMOL has tried before to reduce holding but Webb said this time the approach would be more lasting. "This is not meant to be a two-week campaign, a six-week campaign, August and September and then forget all about it," he explained. "If we went in like a steam train and gave every little bit of contact then it would be a six week campaign because we get told very quickly to ease off on what we're doing. "We have to take the game with us, we have to be credible."
CNA
6 hours ago
- CNA
Title dreams and redemption: Premier League teams gear up for new campaign
MANCHESTER, England :Fresh off a dominant title-winning campaign, Liverpool kick off the new Premier League season on Friday as the team to beat, as the Reds have transitioned from Juergen Klopp's high-octane chaos to a more measured possession-based style under Arne Slot. Liverpool host Bournemouth in the season's curtain-raiser on what is sure to be an emotional night at Anfield after the July 3 death of forward Diogo Jota in a car crash. Liverpool, who locked up last year's title with four matches to spare, had a bold and ambitious summer, signing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who headline a revamped attack that promises to be among the most explosive in the league. They also added pace at fullback by acquiring Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk remain central pillars. The key question is can Liverpool's new-look defence hold firm to support a title repeat? Slot is cautiously optimistic. "The reason that it is so difficult is there are so many competitors who can also win the league here," he said on Thursday. "To win it once is already very, very special. That is unbelievable if you are able to do it (twice) in this league. This year it is probably going to be harder than before." Bournemouth finished ninth last season. Manchester City travel to Wolverhampton on Saturday as Pep Guardiola looks to restore his revamped team to their former glory after last term's third-place disappointment. Rodri, whose absence last season due to a serious knee injury contributed to City's poor campaign, is facing a race to get fit for their opening match after picking up an injury during the FIFA Club World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winner has returned to training, but Guardiola said he will not be "really, really fit" until after the September international break. City finished 13 points behind Liverpool last season. Wolves were 16th. Perennial contenders Arsenal, who have finished second three seasons running, travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to play Manchester United in a much-anticipated clash of two revamped teams. Desperate to break the second-place cycle, the Gunners added quality and depth in signing Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to bolster the midfield, and Viktor Gyökeres to help solve their long-standing striker issue. Arsenal's defence remains elite — and will be put to the test against United's brand new front three of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. After their dismal 15th-place finish last season under new boss Ruben Amorim, United have been in full rebuild mode, with expectations high but patience wearing thin. The Red Devils are aiming for a top-four finish and a return to European football. But United remain a wild card. The big question is can Amorim quickly galvanise his new-look squad into a competitive force, or will this be another frustrating season of transition? The three promoted clubs get a taste of England's top flight this weekend with Sunderland hosting West Ham United and Burnley travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and Leeds United hosting Everton on Monday.
