Callum Wilson’s late equalizer against Arsenal was ruled out by VAR, sparking fresh debate over set-piece keeping and potentially prompting legislation changes this summer.
The issue of holding in set pieces will be considered by IFAB this summer (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Corner grappling will be on the agenda when soccer lawmakers meet after this summer’s World Cup. The issue has been a hot topic in the Premier League, and came to the fore on Sunday when a 95th-minute equalizer between West Ham and Arsenal was ruled out due to chalk following a VAR review.
Referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to rule out Callum Wilson’s equalizer caused a huge stir due to its importance in the title race and relegation battle. West Ham believe the rules have been inconsistently applied this season and will lodge a complaint with the PGMO.
Kavanagh was sent to a pitchside monitor by VAR operator Darren England to watch a replay of West Ham forward Pablo putting his arm around Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. After a nearly five-minute delay, he ruled out Wilson’s leveler for a foul.
PGMO referee Howard Webb will give his thoughts on the incident on Tuesday night’s Match Officials Mixed Up, which will be broadcast on Sky Sports and TNT Sports from 7pm.
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read more: Arsenal receive new VAR verdict after intense backlash over West Ham dramaread more: Former Premier League official calls for rule change after Arsenal’s VAR massacre
And the Press Association reports that the topic is likely to be discussed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the rules of the game, at its next debate starting in the autumn.
Asked about the issue at February’s IFAB annual general meeting, IFAB board member Ian Maxwell, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, said: “It wasn’t really discussed at today’s meeting. Anything we can do to stamp out that kind of behavior…”
“We recognize that from a Scottish perspective, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the situation is getting worse. There will be geographical changes. Football is played all over the world. Different countries, different players will deal with things a little bit differently.”
VAR review attracts the most attention in Premier League history
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“It is within the protocol for the match officials to make a decision on that (whether there was a foul) if they deem it appropriate at the time, and they have been given the opportunity to do so.”
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has proposed a solution to the confusion currently occurring in the box during set-pieces. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “I think there’s just too much corner skirmishing overall.
“My view, which I have been saying for three years now, is that attacking players should not be allowed into the goal area before a corner kick is taken. This will create a natural separation between defenders and attackers and will stop crossings before the ball is in play.”
“If the ball is not in play, you can’t award a defensive free-kick or a penalty. So if you separate the players, you won’t have this constant shoving and grappling in the corners. It’s a simple law change where attackers have to start from outside the goal area and these situations will be avoided.”
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