Premier League referees are set to take a firmer stance on grappling and holding contained in the penalty space, with expectations of extra penalties being awarded this season. Howard Webb, PGMOL’s chief working officer, mentioned suggestions from a latest survey revealed too many clear offences have been going unpunished.
VAR will now have the ability to step in for “excessive non-footballing motion,” akin to dragging an opponent to the bottom, even when the ball isn’t in play. Nevertheless, Webb famous that minor, mutual contact would stay the referee’s choice.
The transfer follows examples like Nottingham Forest’s penalty in opposition to Brighton final season, the place Tariq Lamptey’s sustained holding introduced down Morgan Gibbs-White. Webb burdened that this could not be a short-lived marketing campaign however a constant strategy geared toward credibility and equity.
The 2025/26 Premier League season begins Friday, with champions Liverpool internet hosting Bournemouth.
