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Manchester United Football Club

Premier League Crackdown on Holding in the Penalty Area: Takeaways from the First Week

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A crackdown on holding in the penalty area, requested by the 20 Premier League clubs this summer, was visible for the first time this season at Craven Cottage. Referees and VARs focus on two factors: the severity of the action and its impact on the game. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey's actions were deemed extreme and without impact, while Manchester United's Mason Mount was more clearly guilty of holding. VAR Darren England advised referee Chris Kavanagh to review his decision, but ultimately, no penalty was awarded. The incident sparked controversy, with United's Bruno Fernandes upset by not receiving an apology from referee Kavanagah.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 20 Premier League clubs requested a crackdown on holding in the penalty area this summer, and referees have begun to enforce it.
  • Referees assess holding incidents based on two factors: the extremity of the action and its impact on the game.
  • Fulham's Calvin Bassey was found guilty of an extreme action without significant impact, while Manchester United's Mason Mount was more clearly guilty of holding.
  • VAR Darren England advised referee Chris Kavanagh to review his decision, but ultimately, no penalty was awarded.
  • Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes was upset by not receiving an apology from referee Chris Kavanagh.
  • Referee Chris Kavanagh has been praised for his polite and humble nature, making his response to Fernandes' outburst even more unexpected.
  • The crackdown on holding is intended to prevent wrestlers manoeuvres, not to blame defenders for making mistakes.
  • United took the lead soon after the interval at another corner, sparking controversy over whether Leny Yoro pushed Bassey with sufficient force.

Statistics:

  • 20 Premier League clubs requested a crackdown on holding in the penalty area this summer.
  • Referees have assessed throwing and holding incidents in the penalty area based on their severity and impact since the start of the season.
  • 1 penalty was awarded for holding in the first week of the season.
  • 1 VAR review led to a change in the referee's decision.

Sources:

  • Graham Scott, Former Premier League referee - The article does not specify the source's title, so only the author's name and relationship to the Premier League is provided.

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