Story perspectives

Shearer Urges Referees to Tackle Grappling in Football

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Grappling infringements often go unpenalized due to the league's high foul threshold.
Premier League referees receive dossiers from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) on team tactics, especially set-pieces, to manage fouls.
Alan Shearer calls for rules to let referees penalize behavior after the whistle.
Cann proposes attackers start outside the six-yard box at corners to reduce crowding, despite officials not prioritizing grappling discussions.

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Story summary

Grappling infringements often go unpenalized due to the league's high foul threshold.
Premier League referees receive dossiers from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) on team tactics, especially set-pieces, to manage fouls.
Alan Shearer calls for rules to let referees penalize behavior after the whistle.
Cann proposes attackers start outside the six-yard box at corners to reduce crowding, despite officials not prioritizing grappling discussions.