- Referees to penalise holding
- Simulation crackdown also expected
- Decisions will still be checked by VAR
According to The Times Premier League referees will be more strict on holding at set-pieces after receiving feedback from top-flight clubs. Instances where players are caught grappling opponents with two arms, are focused more on their rivals than the ball and holding that affects an attacker’s movement will result in fouls.
The changes come as clubs increasingly use set-pieces as scoring opportunities. Teams around the top flight have been hiring set-piece coaches to gain an extra advantage, with the likes of Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa among the sides who scored often from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins last season.
Penalties will continue to be checked by video assistant referees, but the high threshold for interventions will stay unless a clear and obvious error has been made. Officials will also be boosted by the implementation of semi-automated offside technology, which is expected to cut the waiting times that have proved so frustrating for fans and pundits.
The Premier League will hope the new rules changes are clear and followed by their referees, though teams are often able to find loopholes in the pursuit of success. Liverpool‘s clash with Bournemouth on Friday night could illustrate how referees intend to preside over set-pieces going forward.
