Premier League referees have been told to clamp down on deliberate holding this season, in a move which could see more penalties awarded from corner kicks.
Officials have been told to keep a close eye on incidents at set-plays where players impede their opponents by holding them with both arms, are focused on their opponent rather than challenging for the ball and where holding affects the attacker’s movements.
The new directive comes following several flash-points last season and off the back of feedback from top-flight clubs, who believe referees have been too lenient around deliberate holding, which has often been lauded as part of the dark arts of the game.