Online Reporter
ENGLAND stars have been warned to prepare for a clampdown on penalty box wrestling at the World Cup.
West Ham have demanded explanations from PGMO chiefs after Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time “equaliser” against Arsenal was ruled out for a foul by substitute Pablo on Gunners keeper David Raya.
The Hammers pointed to the grappling and holding BY Arsenal players as Jarrod Bowen’s corner came across, although none of them directly affected play.
But while ref Chris Kavanagh’s decision was backed by pundits including Wayne Rooney, the head of Fifa’s panel of experts suggested global bosses wanted to see officials step in this summer.
And that could impact on England, with Thomas Tuchel having already spoken about his plan to utilise the searing set-piece deliveries from Arsenal pair Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Former Swiss keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, head of the 11-strong Technical Study Group — including ex-Prem stars Jurgen Klinsmann, Gilberto Silva, Pablo Zabaleta, Paulo Wanchope and Jon Dahl Tomasson, said: “We have seen this, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal.
“This is a trend, yes, of course, but I’m sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there and those referees will be a key part of these situations.
“We know it’s difficult for the referees because you have these little fouls on the goalkeeper and the officials have to look between so many people around them.
“It’s not easy to see this, but I’m very, very sure we have the best referees anyway, and we will deal with this in a very good way. It’s clear we need to be aware from the beginning.”
West Ham’s complaint saw the Londoners demanding an explanation over why VAR Darren England intervened to recommend Kavanagh alter his initial decision to award the goal.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Lawmakers on the International FA Board might take another look at options to combat excessive holding, but only AFTER the World Cup.
That means it will be down to the referees selected by Fifa — including Prem whistlers Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor — to enforce any directives from the world governing body. — Sun
