Referee consultation on excessive grappling at corners to take place at the end of the season

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FT Desk

A consultation meeting among referees to discuss the rise of excessive grappling inside the box during corner-kicks has been pencilled in for the end of the season.

The issue of pushing, pulling, and grappling at corners has been a recurring talking point in the Premier League this season, with Arsenal frequently at the centre of debate. Several incidents in matches involving the Gunners have seen goals either awarded or ruled out following VAR reviews.

The controversy surfaced again on Sunday during Arsenal’s clash with West Ham. Mikel Arteta’s side held a 1–0 lead in the closing stages when a chaotic set-piece situation allowed the ball to fall to Callum Wilson, who managed to force it over the line despite Declan Rice’s desperate attempt to clear.

The London Stadium initially erupted in celebration, but the mood quickly shifted when VAR intervened. Officials ruled that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya had been impeded, with forward Pablo placing an arm across his chest, leading to the goal being disallowed.

It could have major implications at both ends of the table as Arsenal push for the title and West Ham fight against relegation.

Referees' chief Howard Webb, speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, said it was the correct decision.

"Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes," he confirmed.

"We've said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can't do their job, they'll be penalised.

"We're not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we're talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper's arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job.

"Raya can't do what he would normally do in that situation, simply catch the ball or punch the ball, and they intervene, and they come to the right decision.

"When you look at that in the round, that's clearly the clear and obvious offence that needs penalising."

Due to the number of incidents involving penalty box melees this season, there will be a conference at the end of the season to determine the best way to police such issues.

"We consult all the time with the clubs, with the fan groups, with a range of other stakeholders about the type of game that they want to see and how they want us to officiate it," Webb added.

"This season's been a little bit more unique than previous ones about the number of contacts in the penalty area, and it does create a challenge for the officials.

"We'll certainly continue consulting with all of the people I mentioned earlier about the type of game they want to see, because we have seen more involvement from set-piece coaches bringing players together in these areas, looking for those marginal gains.

"But we need to be vigilant. We need to identify those clear actions that are impactful.

"We've penalised more holding penalties than we did last year, but we've missed some as well."

That debate surrounding corners intensified following Arsenal's 2-1 victory against Chelsea in March, in which all three goals were scored from corners.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber scored for Arsenal, while Chelsea got on the scoresheet via an own-goal from Piero Hincapie.

For all three goals, players from both sides were guilty of grappling with their opponents.