{
  "id": 2157955,
  "title": "EPL: Referees to crack down on grappling at corners, free-kicks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/epl-referees-to-crack-down-on-grappling-at-corners-free-kicks-2157955",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T15:04:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-referees-to-crack-down-on-grappling-at-corners-free-kicks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Premier League is set to implement stricter rules against holding and grappling during corner kicks and free-kicks for the upcoming season. Referees across all levels of the English football pyramid have been instructed to focus on \"non-footballing holding actions\" that impede opponents from competing for the ball or moving into dangerous positions. This includes players who engage in holding an opponent with both arms or persistently hold a player or their clothing. Premier League referees' chief Howard Webb emphasized that officials should act decisively, rather than repeatedly issuing warnings, to penalize such actions. The league aims to maintain a high threshold for physical contact, particularly involving goalkeepers, but will not tolerate deliberate attempts to obstruct play. This change could significantly impact set-piece strategies, as clubs scored a record 25.7% of all goals from corners and free-kicks last season. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur led in set-piece goals, while Liverpool conceded the most set-piece conceded goals. The new approach seeks to discourage actions that have no genuine connection to playing the ball without eliminating the physicality inherent in the game.",
  "summary": "Premier League referees will take a tougher stance on grappling and holding at corners and free-kicks this season. Learn how this new EPL grappling crackdo Read More: https://punchng.com/epl-referees-to-crack-down-on-grappling-at-corners-free-kicks/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "EPL: Referees to crack down on grappling at corners, free-kicks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/epl-referees-to-crack-down-on-grappling-at-corners-free-kicks",
        "published": "2026-08-20T14:40:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}