Premier League refs to launch new rule clampdown against a ‘dark art’ loved by set-piece kings Arsenal

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.

The hard-line stance has been communicated to players, who have been told to expect fouls to be awarded. If penalties are given, the decisions can still be checked by VARs, who can recommend that the on-field official should change their decision if a clear mistake has been made.

Last season Arsenal, under the guidance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, became known for their set-piece prowess and the execution of such tactics.  

Simulation will also be targeted, while for major decisions referees can adopt a ‘captain’s only’ approach, where they invite the skipper over to explain their thinking. Captains will also be expected to direct protesting team-mates away from the official. Where the captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player can be nominated.

Premier League referees have been told to clamp down on deliberate holding this season

Officials have been told to keep a close eye on incidents at set-plays where players impede their opponent

Arsenal, who frequently score from set-pieces, could be affected by the new rule

As has previously been reported, goalkeepers will now be on an 8-second ‘clock’ in an attempt to clamp down on time-wasting. That clock will only start when no opposition players are in the vicinity and they are in a position to release the ball. 

Ref-cam, which sees officials wear cameras, will be trialled for the first six to eight rounds.

It was also confirmed that top-flight players will take the knee once more in October as part of the football’s No Room for Racism campaign.

Daily Mail Sport understands that captains from each club have decided they and their team-mates will perform the symbolic gesture before kick-off in the month’s two match rounds.

Earlier this summer, the Lionesses decided to stop taking the knee at the European Championship following racist abuse aimed at Jess Carter. Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination charity, backed that move, with coach Sarina Wiegman describing it as ‘not good enough;.

However, captains from top-flight sides have decided that they will drop to the turf in what they feel remains a powerful symbol.

Top-flight sides have been taking the knee for five years following the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement after the murder in the US of George Floyd.

It was introduced here at the behest of players and happened for the first time in 2020 when Aston Villa took on Sheffield United.

For major decisions referees can adopt a ‘captains only’ approach, where they invite the skipper over to explain their thinking

Premier League teams will take the knee in October as part of the No Room for Racism campaign

EFL clubs, along with England’s men and women sides, also adopted the gesture although it has become less commonplace in recent times.

Last season in the Premier League it happened before the first and final matches, along with the No Room For Racism fixtures in October and April.