Ex-Premier League ref demands no-nonsense approach to corners - 'It's become like rugby'

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Ex- Premier League referee Mark Halsey has called for a mass crackdown on grappling from corners after an ‘embarrassing’ incident between Manchester United and Everton . Corner kicks have become particularly productive weapons for teams in the top flight over recent seasons.

Mikel Arteta ’s side have become experts from dead balls, while Liverpool have also followed suit. While far more goals have been scored from corners, grappling and crowding the goalkeeper have also risen.

Referees have regularly stopped games to warn players of too much contact, and former official Halsey believes that referee bosses need to take more action sooner rather than later.

Speaking to The Sun , he said: “The PGMOL have got to lead their referees into a no-nonsense approach to these grappling incidents in the penalty area from corners because it has become an absolute joke.

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“It needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Referees do not want to keep making decisions when they are all jostling. It has become like rugby. It is like being at Twickenham.

“If it means giving loads of free-kicks and penalties, then so be it. That is the only way to stop it.

“The Everton vs Manchester United game last week was a joke. It was farcical and embarrassing and it is happening week in week out.

“But it is also down to the players and set-piece coaches, they are to blame, not referees. Sometimes you feel sorry for the officials.

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“As soon as that corner kick is taken, give a penalty or a free-kick. As long as you are being consistent, people cannot argue.

“People are fed up of a referee stopping the game, having a word with players, not taking action and then allowing them to continue grappling. They do not take any notice.

“Everyone is getting fed up of it. If you give penalties and free-kicks every single time, players and fans cannot complain.”

While Arsenal remain the experts from set pieces, Liverpool have caught them up, having scored the most from non-penalty dead balls since the change of the year. Despite that, Reds boss Arne Slot has a controversial view and has claimed that the new physical approach has made games ‘not a joy to watch’.

Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Arsenal set piece coach Nicolas Jover earns a bonus for every set piece that the Gunners score from due to a clause written into his contract.

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