Premier League referees plan crackdown on Arsenal’s ‘dark arts’

Premier League officials have been instructed to adopt a stricter approach towards deliberate holding at set-pieces this season, a move that could impact Arsenal’s highly effective, and sometimes controversial, set-piece tactics.

The new rules aim to stamp out what many clubs have labelled part of football’s “dark arts,” with referees prepared to award more fouls for holding in the box.

Premier League referees will now penalise incidents where players impede opponents by holding with both arms, focusing on the man rather than the ball, and preventing their opponents from moving freely.

Feedback from top-flight clubs suggests officials were too lenient last season, prompting this hard-line directive.

If a penalty is given, VAR will still check for clear errors. Arsenal, known for their inventive but robust set-piece routines, may need to adjust to avoid falling foul of the crackdown.

In addition, simulation will be targeted, while referees can now adopt a “captain’s only” communication rule, inviting only the skipper to discuss major decisions and expecting them to disperse protesting teammates.

In addition, goalkeepers will be timed on an eight-second release rule to reduce time-wasting, with the clock starting only when they are clear to distribute the ball.

Ref-cam technology will also be trialled in the first six to eight rounds, giving fans an unprecedented view of match officiating.

Off the pitch, October will see players take the knee in both match rounds for the No Room for Racism campaign. Captains from all 20 clubs agreed to continue the gesture, introduced in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, as a statement against discrimination.

While less common in recent years, top-flight players believe it remains a powerful symbol in the fight for equality.