Nuno calls for clarification on fouls after increased referee criticism

Nuno Espirito Santo has urged officials to provide clearer guidance on fouls during set-pieces, claiming the level of grappling and blocking now seen in the Premier League has become “almost crazy”.

The West Ham manager raised the issue ahead of his side’s FA Cup meeting with Brentford, explaining that he has already voiced his concerns to Howard Webb, the head of the refereeing body Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

Nuno believes the current interpretation of contact during set-piece situations has gone too far and wants referees to explain the limits more clearly to players.

“What the referee has now allowed, what’s happening in the set-piece situation is, I’ll say, almost crazy,” he said.

“I think they should review it. I can see that many of them are fouls – the contacts, the holding, the grabbing, the blocks.”

“Many things are happening. Some of them are legal, some of them are OK, but most of them are contacts that go much further than what is allowed in football.”

The debate around physicality at corners and free-kicks has grown in recent weeks, with several managers questioning whether the rules are being applied consistently.

Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, recently suggested the heavy focus on set-pieces is making matches less enjoyable to watch.

Meanwhile David Moyes, in charge of Everton, described Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side as pioneers of the so-called “dark arts” in these situations.

Criticism has also come from Fabian Hurzeler, the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, who questioned the lack of consistency in officiating.

“Some of the ways teams are blocking, there’s no real rule,” Hurzeler said.

“Sometimes the referee whistles and it’s a foul, sometimes it isn’t a foul or they don’t whistle.”

Nuno echoed that concern, particularly highlighting the pressure placed on goalkeepers when attackers crowd the six-yard box.

He believes the current interpretation of the rules is making life increasingly difficult for keepers.

“It’s my personal consideration, and I already had the chance to address this worry to Howard Webb,” Nuno added.

“He was sensible enough to recognise that something is going on. It’s not only me. I think it goes through all the league.”