EPL: Referees declare war on grappling at corners, free-kicks

Premier League referees will take a tougher stance on holding and grappling during set pieces this season, with officials instructed to penalise actions that clearly affect play.
The laws of the game have not changed, but referees across the Premier League, English Football League and Women’s Super League have been told to act more decisively against deliberate holding.
The renewed focus is on what officials describe as “non-footballing holding actions” situations where players focus solely on restraining opponents rather than attempting to play the ball.
Players who use both arms to hold opponents, repeatedly grab them or pull their shirts could therefore face greater scrutiny, par...