Referees chief Webb wants clamp-down on Premier League set-piece grappling

Premier League clubs are bracing for stricter enforcement of rules on grappling and holding during set-pieces at the start of the new season. Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for English football, expressed concern over the number of unpunished instances last season where defenders dragged attackers to the ground during corners and free-kicks.

Arsenal's success in the Premier League title, in part, can be attributed to their proficiency at set-pieces, leading to complaints from rival managers and fans about the Gunners' habit of wrestling opponents before the ball is delivered. Webb emphasized that referees and VAR officials must be more vigilant on this issue, starting with Arsenal's match against Coventry at the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the season.

He stated that fans should expect fewer warnings before fouls are given, but more situations will be penalized throughout the season. A new feature for VAR is the ability to check for attacking fouls at set-pieces and order them to be retaken if a goal, penalty, or disciplinary sanction follows. Webb, a former Premier League and FIFA referee, wants to maintain a high threshold for penalizing contact but believes there will be more penalties in the future.

He also expressed concern over the aftermath of FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card during the World Cup, which he believes has fueled beliefs in refereeing conspiracies among supporters.