Premier League referees have been instructed to clamp down on holding in the penalty area this season, which could lead to an increase in penalties awarded. The new emphasis will focus on sustained and impactful holding that clearly affects an opponent's ability to play or challenge for the ball.
Officials will consider whether the holding player's attention is on the ball or the opponent, and extreme actions that impede movement will be penalised. Last season, Nottingham Forest were awarded a penalty against Brighton after Tariq Lamptey was penalised for holding Morgan Gibbs-White, setting a precedent for similar offences.
Simulation will also be targeted, with referees urged to book players who clearly attempt to deceive. Additionally, head injury protocols will be enforced: referees will immediately signal for medical staff when a player appears to have a head injury, and the player must leave the pitch for assessment, remaining on the touchline for at least 30 seconds after play restarts.
Referee body cameras will be trialled from match round three at the earliest, providing extra angles for broadcasters but not used for reviewing controversial incidents. Referees will announce VAR outcomes except for factual offside and onside decisions.
The high bar for VAR intervention remains, with 83% of stakeholders supporting the current threshold. Handball interpretations stay the same, with 78% approval. Only nine handball penalties were awarded last season. The new eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball also comes into effect, with a corner awarded if exceeded.
