Full Breakdown
Pro Ref Training Shows How New “Non-Footballing Holding” Rules Will Be Enforced
8/21/2026, 12:06:08 AM
Core Event – Summer Clinics Illustrate Updated Penalty Guidelines
Each summer, Pro Ref—the rebranded referees’ body for English football—visits Premier League and Championship clubs to run scenario-based sessions. Recent clinics have focused on two incidents that would have been non-penalties last season but now fall under the new “non-footballing holding” category. The first involved Brentford forward Keane Lewis-Potter wrestling West Ham defender Tomas Soucek at the far post off the ball. The second saw Sunderland midfielder Luke O’Nien dragging Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk with an arm around the neck. Both actions are now classified as offenses that merit a penalty.
Highlighted Cases Prompt Player Debate
During the sessions, officials also reviewed a contested decision in a Crystal Palace versus Bournemouth match. Marc Guehi was pulled down by Bafode Diakite, and the referee awarded a spot-kick. Players split on whether Guehi had engineered the contact or was the victim of a clear holding offence, underscoring the “grey” nature of some calls.
Official Statements & Responses – Webb on Consistency and Preparation
He emphasized that while VAR can intervene when a penalty is missed, the goal is to reduce reliance on video review for clear holding actions. Webb also noted that player opinions can diverge on borderline situations, illustrating the balancing act referees face.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One player will tell you that if a penalty is not given, they expect the VAR to be involved, knowing full well that that will highly frustrate the other half of the room, who don't see a penalty in the first place,” — Webb
- “We've got some highly skilled analysts who do a lot of work pre-game and give information to the officials: such as what they're likely to see, the way that the team sets up,” — Webb
