Referees Chief Webb Wants Clamp-Down on Premier League Set-Piece Grappling
Webb said officials will penalize more set-piece contact and let Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check attacking fouls, but he wants to preserve flow.
- On Wednesday, English football's chief refereeing officer Howard Webb warned Premier League clubs to expect stricter officiating on grappling during set-pieces this season. Officials will be more vigilant regarding defenders dragging attackers to the ground.
- Defenders frequently dragged attackers down last season without consequence, prompting VAR officials to gain new authority this season to review and penalize attacking fouls at set-pieces, including ordering retakes when goals or disciplinary sanctions follow.
- "Fans can expect less warnings from referees," Webb said on Wednesday, emphasizing that while more situations will be penalized throughout the season, contact remains part of the game and officials maintain a high threshold.
- Separately, Webb expressed concern over growing refereeing conspiracy beliefs among supporters, citing United States forward Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card controversy where President Donald Trump admitted pressuring FIFA president Gianni Infantino to overturn the suspension.
- Decisions are increasingly viewed by social media users as "correct or corrupt" rather than simply right or wrong, Webb noted, as he anticipates reflecting next year on a season where more offenses have been penalized.
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Pro Ref chief Howard Webb fires warning as Premier League crackdown on grappling
Premier League players have been told officials will now operate with a no-nonsense approach when it comes to grappling, particularly from set-pieces, as Pro Ref look to clamp down on a trend that became hugely popular during the 2025-26 campaign
Radio France Internationale
Referees chief Webb wants clamp-down on Premier League set-piece grappling
Howard Webb, English football's chief refereeing officer, believes there were too many instances last season of defenders dragging attackers to the ground that went unpunished during corners and free-kicks. Arsenal won the Premier League title in part due to their expertise at set-pieces, with rival managers and fans complaining about the Gunners' habit of wrestling opponents prior to the ball being delivered. Webb is keen for referees and VAR o…
Referees’ chief Howard Webb wants clamp-down on Premier League set-piece grabbing
Arsenal won the Premier League title in part due to its expertise at set-pieces, with rival managers and fans complaining about the Gunners’ habit of wrestling opponents prior to the ball being delivered.
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