Webb promises more rigor with the grabs in the area, but with caution
The head of Premier League referees, Howard Webb, has assured that officials will be stricter with holding in the area this season. However, this measure will be implemented gradually to ensure its continuity throughout the season. In recent seasons, there have been initiatives to address the issue of handballs, added time, and actions by players that take the ball away. These measures, although initially rigorous, have experienced setbacks, generating criticism about changes in direction. Webb explained that, after speaking with captains and other key players in the game, it was determined that holding within the area was not being penalized with the necessary frequency. However, he insisted that a drastic increase in penalties is not expected at the beginning of the season, but rather that sanctions will be limited to clear and extreme actions.Webb added that the captains were consulted and various opinions from other relevant actors, such as clubs, coaches, technical directors, and fans, were considered. The objective was to determine what kind of game they preferred in terms of how refereeing influences it. Regarding the grabs, Webb detailed that these occur in different situations within the area, both with and without the ball in play, and vary in intensity. Referees have been instructed to intervene in situations where a player clearly drags another to the ground in an extreme manner, even if they are not in possession of the ball. In these cases, VAR will intervene to recommend that the referee review the play on the screen, given that it fits the established criteria: an extreme action that prevents the opponent’s movement. Webb also pointed out that there will still be gray situations where referees will have to make decisions based on their judgment. If the grip is mutual, the referee’s decision on the field will prevail. However, when there are no arguments to support the referee’s decision, VAR intervention is expected. Webb emphasized that this will not be a short-term campaign. The idea is to be consistent and credible, focusing on identifying situations that require a penalty, based on the feedback received. It is expected that more penalties will be called for holding, but without an abrupt change, as that would be difficult to maintain over time.What has worked quite well in recent seasons, especially since I’ve been here and working with the Premier League, is that we have sought the opinion of those interested in the game.
Howard Webb
