Grappling with real problem

A NEW season will undoubtedly see the return of bad habits in the game.

One of the worst aspects of modern football is the penalty-area holding and grappling which, along with diving (simulation), is always a major talking point as fans complain about referees and their apparent inability to stamp it out.

The authorities have it within their power to instruct match officials to get much tougher but the question is: Do the clubs, players and supporters really want the consequences of a culling of holding offences?

Whenever there is action taken the card count rises and then clubs complain, fans complain and the refs are branded villains of the piece by making themselves the centre of attention and ruining games.

Well you cannot have it both ways!

What we all see on the TV is not always as clear on the pitch in real time , especially when it is happening all over the penalty area.

It would be easy to award a penalty or a free-kick to the defence at every corner, throw-in or attacking free-kick. The formal lecture to two players does not really work and players persist even after a warning.

The answer is quite simple, caution the players!

That puts them on a knife-edge for the remainder of the game and will inevitably lead to more dismissals.

While unpopular initially, if it was applied consistently then hopefully the penny might drop. To be honest, a more sensible solution would be the introduction of sin bins, where instant sanction is afforded for certain offences.

Too radical? Well, if it cuts it out the for me it is an innovation well worth pursuing.